Simply Christian LIFE with Bishop Michael Hunn

Circuit-Riding Priesthood in West Texas: Five Episcopal Communities in the Big Bend Traveling toward Marfa, Texas, Bishop Michael Hunn follows Episcopal priest Mike Wallens as he describes serving a wide Big Bend circuit that grew from a part-time call at St. Paul’s in Marfa to weekly ministry across Marfa, Alpine, Fort Stockton, Terlingua, and Lajitas, with long drives between each. He explains a...

Big Bend Borderlands Ministry: Water Conservation, Rancher Collaboration & Creation Care in Marfa Traveling between Alpine and Marfa, Texas, Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande rides with the Reverend Mike Wallens, who serves Borderlands Ministry and five Big Bend congregations, as they head to Mexico to meet the mayor of Ojinaga and visit two shelters the ministry has support...

Weekly Update: Memorial Day 2026, Border Wall at Mount Cristo Rey, and Honoring Mary Jewell Bishop Michael Hunn shares a weekly update for Memorial Day 2026, reflecting on Memorial Day’s origins and urging prayer for elected leaders to use military force responsibly and not squander the sacrifices of service members amid a current conflict with Iran. He then gives a borderland update, warning that...

Why a Border Wall in Big Bend Could Harm Wildlife, Ranchers, and Tourism Traveling to Terlingua and Lajitas, Texas, Bishop Michael Hunn speaks with Mike Wallens about proposed border wall expansion in the Big Bend near Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Wallens argues a physical wall is unnecessary and impractical because the Rio Grande’s winding course would force construction...

Here Be Dragons (Meditation 3): Trusting God in Silence and Darkness Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande offers the third meditation in “Here Be Dragons: three meditations on the apophatic Way,” reflecting on Jesus’ raw prayer in Gethsemane and the apophatic experience of Holy Week where praise turns to abandonment and silence. He argues Christian leadership keeps tending earthly...

Here Be Dragons (Meditation 2): When God Says No—The Apophatic Way and the Church’s Stripping Away Bishop Michael Hun of the Diocese of the Rio Grande reflects on the Episcopal Church’s shift from mid-20th-century cultural confidence and institutional influence to a present season of decline, financial strain, and uncertainty, describing it as an apophatic “stripping away” in which familiar suppor...

Here Be Dragons: Lent Meditation 1 — This Is Not God (The Apophatic Way) Bishop Michael Hunn of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande introduces the first of three Lenten meditations, “Here Be Dragons,” exploring the apophatic way of faith beyond the “map” of confident religious language. He contrasts cataphatic theology, which makes positive statements about God, with apophatic practice, which...

Here Be Dragons: Lenten Meditations on the Silence and Darkness of God Bishop Michael Hunn introduces a series of three meditations titled "Here Be Dragons," focusing on Lent, the silence and darkness of God, and wilderness times, and exploring the APHA tradition of theology as a way of speaking about God when there is little to say. The meditations are designed as an audible experience available...

A Holy Lent: Discipleship, Confession, and Prayer Book Practices A message to the Diocese of the Rio Grande introducing Lent as a season of wilderness that prepares Christians for Holy Week and Easter by recalling Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Drawing from the Ash Wednesday liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer, it explains Lent’s purposes: training disciples (including preparing converts for ba...

Michael Hunn, Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande for the Episcopal Church, addresses the moral implications of the current detention practices at the US-Mexico border. He highlights the struggles faced by detainees, including many who have no criminal record, and advocates for the closure of detention centers. The video includes a clip from Border Chaplain Reza, who speaks out against the cri...

In this episode, we delve into the profound poem 'The Pedagogy of Conflict' by Pádraig Ó Tuama, exploring themes of integrity, hypocrisy, and the sanctity of life. Drawing connections to current social and political unrest, we urge a return to core moral values and faith-based principles. Through self-examination, prayer, and community support, we emphasize the importance of acting with integrity...

Honoring Veterans: A Call to Responsible Deployment and Care   In this video, Bishop Michael Hunn reflects on the historical and constitutional foundations of the U.S. military, emphasizing the importance of responsible deployment and comprehensive care for veterans. It advocates for accountability in the use of armed forces and highlights the need to address physical, psychological, spiritual and...

Facing the Future with Faith In this Address to the Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of the Rio Grande, Bishop Michael Hunn address the pressing challenges facing the world and our communities today—from political division and economic fragility to environmental crises and immigration issues. Within this context, the Episcopal Church stands as a beacon of hope and unity. Bishop Michael emphasize...

Historic Election: Bishop Sarah Mullally Becomes the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury Bishop Michael Burkel Hun of the Diocese of the Rio Grande in the Episcopal Church celebrates the election of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, marking the first time in over 14 centuries this role is held by a woman. Bishop Hun discusses the importance of the Anglican Communion's bonds t...

Diocese of the Rio Grande Weekly Update: Special Announcements & Rev. Dr. Hilary Smith's Inspiring Journey In this week's update for the last week of September 2025, the Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande reminds clergy about the upcoming clergy conference and announces the ordination of Gary to the Sacred Order of Deacons. Preparations for the Diocesan Convention in November are also dis...

A Call to Forgiveness and Compassion in Troubling Times In this powerful address, Bishop Michael Hunn explores the extreme violence and hatred currently gripping the United States and the Diocese of the Rio Grande. The murder of Charlie Kirk and his widow Erica Kirk's public act of forgiveness serve as a profound example of living out Christian faith. This episode delves into the layered meaning o...

Weekly Update: Exploring the Ministry of the Diocese in the Dominican Republic | September 20, 2025 In this week's update for the Diocese of the Rio Grande, dated September 20, 2025, we highlight the upcoming Diocesan Convention in November and encourage members to serve in various diocesan roles. The video also covers the recent House of Bishops meeting in the Diocese of the Dominican Republic, s...

Revolutionizing Community Support: St. John's Episcopal Church's Innovative Labor Hub In this episode, we highlight a groundbreaking ministry effort at St. John's Episcopal Church in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Hosted by Evan Lambert, President of Community Power New Mexico, this video showcases the Labor Hub - the first of its kind in the nation. This unique initiative includes a tool library, materi...

Welcome to our tour of the new youth shelter and drop-in center in Ruidoso, New Mexico! 00:00 – Introduction: Bishop Michael Hunn and Deacon Laurie Benavides open the video and discuss the vision for the shelter. 00:39 – Overview: Laurie explains the three components of the safety net for youth experiencing homelessness. 00:58 – Drop-in Center & Emergency Shelter: Details about the drop-in cen...

Diocese of the Rio Grande: Weekly Update on Borderland Ministries Join us for this week's update from the Diocese of the Rio Grande. Bishop Hunn returns with a critical interview featuring Ana Reza, chaplain for the Borderland Ministries, discussing current issues at the New Mexico and Far West Texas borders. Learn about the ongoing website refresh, the upcoming diocesan convention, and important...

On the Ground: Humanitarian Responses to courthouse ICE arrests in El Paso In this week's update from the Diocese of the Rio Grande, Bishop Michael Hunn speaks with Ana Reza, the Border Chaplain, and Deacon Sondra Jones about the ongoing ICE raids and deportation quotas affecting asylum seekers in El Paso. The discussion highlights Ana and Sondra’s efforts in providing support, prayer, and accompa...

Addressing Termination of Diocesan Shelter Program Funding by DHS Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande discusses the receipt of a second letter from Homeland Security, terminating their shelter and services program grant. The bishop explains their compliance with federal laws and grants, their efforts to appeal the decision, and the importance of clarifying that their work with asy...

Contemplating Grief and Loss: A Reflection on Jesus' Death Following the Gospel Reading for the day, read by Canon JP Arossa,  Bishop Michael Hunn delves into the Holy Gospel according to Matthew, recounting the events following Jesus' crucifixion and burial by Joseph of Arimathea. The sermon explores the profound themes of grief and loss, drawing parallels between our human experiences and God's...

In this episode, we delve into how elderhood offers a unique spiritual opportunity to reflect on one's spiritual bucket list and identity beyond profession and family roles. Our discussion also covers the spiritual practice of preparing for the end of life, including planned giving and legacy planning within the church. We explore the importance of advanced directives, funeral planning, and the cr...

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Jan Hosea at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as we delve into the essence of spiritual identity and Elderhood. Discover the history and current character of St. Mary's congregation, renowned for their welcoming and pastoral care. Learn about the transition from a life centered on 'doing' to one focused on 'being,' and how this shift...