Reverend James Martin, S.J.

Reverend James Martin, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, author, and podcast host of "The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J." He is the founder of Outreach, a platform aimed at fostering understanding and dialogue. In 2017, Pope Francis appointed him as a consultant to the Secretariat for Communications at the Vatican, highlighting his communication skills and dedication to outreach. Martin has been a public speaker on Ignatian spirituality and is known for his media contributions, frequently appearing on CNN, NPR, and Fox News Channel, and writing for The New York Times and The Huffington Post. An author of New York Times Best-Selling books, Martin's works include "The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything," "Jesus: A Pilgrimage," and "My Life with the Saints."

Martin's book "Building a Bridge" addresses the relationship between the Catholic Church and the LGBTQ+ community, and a documentary film based on this book premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City in 2021. This demonstrates Martin's commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding in controversial areas. He was invited by Pope Francis to participate in the final phase meetings of the Synod on Synodality in July 2023, a testament to his valuable input in important church matters. Martin is also a member of the LAByrinth Theater Company and was involved in the 2005 stage production of "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot." His experiences in theater have likely honed his public speaking skills and ability to engage audiences.

In addition to his various roles, Martin has received recognition in the form of numerous honorary degrees from various universities between 2007 and 2020, including Doctor of Divinity and Doctor of Humane Letters. As of October 2021, he serves on the Board of Directors of Georgetown University. These roles and recognitions further underscore his credibility as a speaker on topics such as spirituality, Catholicism, and advocacy within the church. Martin's commitment to dialogue and understanding, particularly in the context of the Catholic Church's relationship with the LGBTQ+ community, makes him a unique and valuable speaker on these topics.