As part of my family is Jewish I am a Catholic theologian who participates not only in Catholic parish life but who also is a member of a synagogue I have not previously written about this part of my theological life but I thought it might be appropriate here on the America magazine blog to bri

It s impossible not to be moved by the terrible stories of the five youths who recently took their own lives because they were being harassed as gays and lesbians nbsp nbsp In New York the story of Tyler Clementi the Rutgers freshman who was filmed having a romantic encounter with another man wh

Francis of Assisi is a good example of why the legends should never overshadow the life, Father James Martin writes. For within his life lie many surprises awaiting those who are willing to meet Francis on his own terms.

Cambridge MA Today is the birthday of Mohandas K Gandhi It is true that his particular programs and positions have faded with age mdash Indians do not live in the past and have moved on for better or worse and it is true that now as in the past there are thoughtful Indians of Hindu and ot

Few people are as courageous as a politician who is out of a job and a long way from the next one When relieved of the demands of governing with all its attending compromises and necessary half-measures politicians find the pluck to simply speak their minds Take Ed Miliband for example Mr Mil

On this feast day of his favorite saint, James Martin, S.J., shares a reflection on Therese of Lisieux.