James Martin
On late-night TV and bestseller lists, new books on prayer resonating with readers
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 26, 2021
(RNS) — After a tumultuous year, several new books about prayer from popular Christian authors seem to be speaking to the moment.
Catholic leaders, progressive and conservative, condemn the violence at the Capitol
By Claire Giangravé — January 7, 2021
VATICAN CITY (RNS) – ‘Those who resort to inflammatory rhetoric must accept some responsibility for inciting the increasing violence in our nation,’ said Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington.
Faith leaders blast Trump administration’s renewed use of death penalty
By Jack Jenkins — July 16, 2020
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The outcry comes as the U.S. Department of Justice carried out its second execution this week on Thursday morning (July 16) and is scheduled to perform its third on Friday. These constitute the first uses of capital punishment by the federal government since 2003.
Digital pilgrimages allow the faithful to travel the world from their couches
By Emily McFarlan Miller — April 29, 2020
(RNS) — From hashtagged photos posted on Instagram to immersive apps, digital pilgrimages are making spiritual journeys possible for the faithful, even as they stay home.
A conversation with Father James Martin: ‘Why did God let this happen?’
By Bill Baker — April 6, 2020
(RNS) — We see God best in the loving, merciful and compassionate responses of people around us to the coronavirus, says the Rev. James Martin, SJ.
Students lobby Congress on DACA and global warming
By Thomas Reese — November 19, 2019
(RNS) — More than 1,500 students descended on Washington, D.C., this week to lobby Congress on global warming and DACA, the program protecting immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for most of their lives from deportation.
Pope meets with Jesuit priest James Martin to discuss LGBTQ ministry
By Thomas Reese — September 30, 2019
(RNS) — The meeting is typical of a pope who recognizes that we are all sinners, even himself, and that we are all on a common pilgrimage toward God.
Pope Francis meets with priest to discuss LGBTQ Catholics
By Jack Jenkins — September 30, 2019
(RNS) — Pope Francis met one on one with American Jesuit priest James Martin at the Vatican on Monday to discuss LGBTQ Catholics, a move some advocates say is a signal of support for a priest who has come under fire for calling on Catholics to be more compassionate to LGBTQ people. Martin described the meeting as “warm and friendly and punctuated by laughter."
Vatican-backed family rally to have speech on welcoming gays
By Nicole Winfield — June 12, 2018
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Rev. James Martin told The Associated Press it was 'immensely significant' that a Vatican-backed meeting would include his presentation, saying it showed 'that LGBT Catholics and their parents are an important part of our church.'
Protesters, fans turn out for Rev. James Martin’s talk in Chicago
By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 23, 2018
CHICAGO (RNS) — For Catholics, a talk about Jesus doesn’t seem controversial. But a lecture by the Rev. James Martin drew about 150 protesters Thursday (March 22) over his views on the church and LGBT people.
Why I kept my questions for the Rev. James Martin to myself
By Jacob Lupfer — February 1, 2018
(RNS) — After his talk, I hoped to ask Father Martin to say more about his pastoral recommendations for LGBT Catholics.
Americans see more jingle, less Jesus in Christmas celebrations
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — December 13, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The survey captures how 'too many people think Christmas is about a mall and not a manger,' said Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College.
LGBT-affirming Christians are more emboldened than ever
By Jacob Lupfer — October 20, 2017
(RNS) — 'A spate of recent events suggests that LGBT-affirming voices within religious communities are more emboldened and confident than ever,' writes Jacob Lupfer. (COMMENTARY)
Religious cyber-vigilantism on the rise
By Mark Silk — September 25, 2017
From tradition to tradition there's a family resemblance.
Seminary cancels talk by priest who urges dialogue with gays
By Rachel Zoll — September 16, 2017
NEW YORK (AP) — Far-right Catholic websites and some conservative Catholic writers have denounced a book by the Rev. James Martin advocating for more compassion for gays within the church, and that has led to online campaigns to pressure Catholic institutions against hosting him.
