Sr. Margaret McKenna: New Jerusalem Now! w. Shane Claiborne

In today’s episode of Good on Wood, we are joined by our dear comrade, Shane Claiborne, and delve into the remarkable journey of Sister Margaret McKenna, whose life was a beacon of hope and transformation in the streets of Philadelphia and beyond. Sr. Margaret passed away a few weeks ago on April 22, 2026. She was a Medical Mission Sister Margaret who founded New Jerusalem Now! in 1989, an addiction recovery community and program which is still running. She held a PhD in Scripture and Christian Origins, taught religion at LaSalle College, was an ardent anti-war active who joined dozens of nonviolent protests leading to arrests, including a Plowshares action which landed her in prison. Sr. Margaret integrated her yearning to live as a hermit with her love for community, sharing her compassion generously, especially with those living on the margins. ¡PRESENTE!

ABOUT SHANE CLAIBORNE

Shane Claiborne is a prominent speaker, activist, and best-selling author. Shane worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, and founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia. He heads up Red Letter Christians, a movement of folks who are committed to living "as if Jesus meant the things he said." Shane is a champion for grace which has led him to jail advocating for the homeless, and to places like Iraq and Afghanistan to stand against war. Now grace fuels his passion to end the death penalty and help stop gun violence.

To learn more about St Stephen’s University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.ca