Moats and Bridges

About this Episode

Father James Martin is a Jesuit priest and editor at large for America: The Jesuit Review. He's the author of multiple books, including Building A Bridge: How The Catholic Church And The LGBT Community Can Enter Into A Relationship Of Respect, Compassion, And Sensitivity. Although I had hoped to make this interview the basis of a special Pride episode of Tatter, July was the soonest we could chat, and I am grateful to Father Jim for talking to me. Even though I'm an atheist, and even though I don't agree with him or the Catholic Church on all issues, I respect him and so I call him "Father" without hesitation.

He's been a guest multiple times on the Colbert Report, and even earned the informal distinction of chaplain for the show. He's also appeared on NPR's Fresh Air, PBS's The Newshour with Jim Lehrer, and more. I feel lucky that Father Jim spent time with Tatter. We discussed LGBT issues for the most part, but also the Trump administration's treatment of refugees. Check it out.

LINKS
Wiki entry on Thomas Merton
Society of Jesus (The Jesuits)
Jesuit Refugee Service
"Building a Bridge" by James Martin
Catechism of the Catholic Church (2358)
"Austrian cardinal leads World AIDS Day memorial, provides example to follow" (New Ways Ministry)
Father Jim's Facebook page
Father Jim's Twitter profile
Father Jim's profile at America: The Jesuit Review
Atlantic article on Dorothy Day
NPR report on Oscar Romero

Cover art credit: Damnonii, Thomas Linard, and Wikignome0529 (Wikimedia Commons)