We don't do Kings in America
Rise up with us on No Kings Day, 6/14
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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Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started"
This week on The State of Belief – getting ready for No Kings Day on June 14th, an initiative of the national grassroots organization Indivisible. Co-founder Leah Greenberg explains that No Kings Day is a forceful nationwide response to the royal pretensions on display in Donald Trump's demand for a multi-million dollar military parade on his 79th birthday. Leah joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the importance of getting involved rather than discouraged, share past Indivisible successes and lessons learned, and the essential role faith leaders and communities play in giving credibility to public actions like this.
Jim Wallis and a Moral Budget: The June 10th Procession at the Capitol
A powerful conversation with Rev. Jim Wallis. We dive deep into his upcoming event on June 10th at the Capitol, A Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget, which aims to address critical issues surrounding the Reconciliation Bill and its potential cuts to vital programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
Everybody Can Do Something: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum
June, traditionally Pride Month, is almost here, and this year, Pride will test the courage of our nation. It has been a challenging time for the LGBTQ+ community – with attempts to erase trans people, roll back civil rights for the wider LGBTQ community, ban Pride flags, and in 10 states there are bills to take back the right to marry… as well as pressure for corporations and faith groups to distance themselves from Pride celebrations.