We hosted a webinar with Fr. James Martin, SJ, exploring how to cultivate understanding, compassion, and connection with LGBTQ+ individuals and those who feel marginalized within our communities. The webinar delved into themes of outreach, inclusion, and reconciliation, drawing inspiration from Fr. Martin’s insightful book Building a Bridge.

Through thoughtful dialogue, we reflected on how faith communities might transcend divisions and embrace a spirit of respect, compassion, and sensitivity. By drawing on real-life examples and Church teachings, we considered practical ways to foster meaningful conversation and build relationships that reflect Christ’s call to love one another.

Fr. James Martin, SJ is a Jesuit priest, editor at large of America magazine, consultor to the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communications, and author of numerous books, including the New York Times bestsellers “Jesus: A Pilgrimage” and “The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything.” Among his other books, “My Life with the Saints” and “Between Heaven and Mirth” were named by Publishers Weekly as “Best Books” of the year, and three of his books have received Christopher Awards. Father Martin is a frequent commentator in the national and international media, having appeared on all the major networks, and in such diverse outlets as The Colbert Report, Fresh Air, On Being, Fox & Friends, PBS’s NewsHour, the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Boston Globe, as well as on the History Channel, BBC, and Vatican Radio. Before entering the Jesuits in 1988, he graduated from the Wharton School of Business.