The Catholic Response to Trump's Attacks on the Church with Dr. Anthea Butler and Rev. James Martin, SJ
State of Belief

The Catholic Response to Trump's Attacks on the Church with Dr. Anthea Butler and Rev. James Martin, SJ

May 2, 2026

Have you noticed how Pope Leo's calm, fearless stance is rattling those in power? He’s not just speaking to Catholics; he's challenging the very idea that religion should be silent in times of crisis, whether the topic is war or the treatment of immigrants.

This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes two leading American Catholic voices: religion professor Dr. Anthea Butler and best-selling author Father Jim Martin, SJ. They've got deep insights on the ways race, religion, and political priorities inform the furious responses from the White House and other powerful figures—and efforts to deny the moral authority of the head of one of the world's largest religions.

Dr. Anthea Butler is Geraldine R. Segal Professor of Social Thought and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She's the author of the book White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America.

Rev. Jim Martin is editor-at-large at the Jesuit America Magazine, consultor to the Vatican, and author of many books, including his latest—a memoir titled Work in Progress: Confessions of a Busboy, Dishwasher, Caddy, Usher, Factory Worker, Bank Teller, Corporate Tool, and Priest.

Transcript

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