State of Belief
Remembering Pope Francis: Father James Martin Reflects on LGBTQ+ inclusion, environmentalism, and compassionate leadership
Pope Francis — the first non-European pope in over a thousand years and a deeply loved voice for justice and compassion — has died at the age of 88. It’s hard to capture just how much he meant to so many around the world. From the moment he stepped out onto that balcony in 2013 with the quiet words “don’t forget the poor,” he showed us a different kind of papal leadership — one rooted in humility, humanity, and hope.
To help us reflect on his legacy, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush sat down with Father James Martin, someone who knew Pope Francis personally and has long been a bold, thoughtful voice for inclusion in the Church — especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ Catholics.
Father Jim shared moving stories of his conversations with Pope Francis — from their shared Jesuit background to the Pope’s personal support for Father Jim’s ministry with LGBTQ+ folks. It’s clear that Pope Francis wasn’t just a global leader; he was someone who saw and cared deeply for individuals, especially those often left at the margins.
They also talked about Pope Francis’s groundbreaking writings — including his encyclicals on the environment and human fraternity — and what made his leadership so unique: empathy, courage, and a deep commitment to Gospel justice. But the conversation didn’t shy away from the present, either. Father Jim also weighs in on what’s next for the Church — the challenges it faces, and the kind of leadership we need moving forward.
If you’ve ever felt inspired by Pope Francis, challenged by his words, or just curious about the human being behind the papal robes, this episode is for you.
You can hear this special episode below:
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Whither America? July 4th with Dr. Robert P. Jones
On the Independence Day edition of The State of Belief, Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush checks in with Public Religion Research Institute President Dr. Robert P. Jones about the state of our democracy - and society - on the nation's 249th birthday.
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On Diversity and Democracy With Wajahat Ali
This week on The State of Belief, Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with author, commentator and attorney Wajahat Ali, who maintains that everybody has a superpower. Waj lists some of them, and stresses how important it is not to throw up our hands in the face of massive challenges and threats from the current administration and its supporters.
A Pastor Reports from the Frontlines In Los Angeles: Faith and Immigration
This week on The State of Belief, an inspiring conversation with Rev. Noel Andersen, the National Field Director for Church World Service and a dedicated advocate for immigrant rights. In this episode, he joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to delve into the pressing issues surrounding immigration enforcement, the role of faith communities, and the ongoing fight for justice in the face of adversity. Here are three key takeaways that stand out: