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In this compelling second part of our conversation with Father Chris Bedding, we dive deep into the intersection of faith, performance, and institutional power. Chris reveals how his award-winning comedy show Pirate Church - a work of "public theology" that toured nationally - became weaponised against him by those seeking to silence his advocacy work within the Anglican Church.

We explore Chris's journey from living "three separate lives" as priest, comedian, and activist to becoming "one person who fulfils different roles." This hard-won integration offers profound insights into authenticity and calling that challenge conventional boundaries between sacred and secular, serious and satirical.

Chris shares the absurd reality of being investigated for dressing as a pirate and singing sea shanties while serious institutional failures went unaddressed - a situation so ridiculous that "if you wrote this in a book, nobody would believe you." Yet this experience taught him that "everything is political," including comedy and church work itself.

We delve into the precarious legal status of faith workers as "office holders" rather than employees, leaving many clergy vulnerable to dismissal with minimal notice and no recourse to standard employment protections. Chris explains how new work health and safety legislation is beginning to change this landscape and why religious organisations must modernise their employment practices.

The conversation covers the Faith Workers Alliance's vision for reform - from ending the expectation that clergy work six days a week to addressing exploitation of students, First Nations workers, and overseas workers. Chris also reflects on his current season of ministry, training a new generation of activists while continuing his sacramental work as a "worker priest."

This episode challenges listeners to consider how institutional resistance to creative expression reveals deeper power dynamics, and offers practical wisdom about collective action, authenticity in ministry, and the courage required to bring your whole self to your calling.

Links mentioned: faithworkers.org.au | chrisbedding.com.au

Warning: Contains frank discussion of institutional trauma and systemic exploitation within religious organisations.

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