The University of Notre Dame, one of America’s most prestigious Catholic universities, has provoked fresh controversy by hosting the radical Jesuit James Martin, a leading advocate of so-called LGBT “inclusion” in the conciliar church.
When it comes to Martin, advocating for such inclusion is merely a euphemism for his longstanding campaign to undermine the Church’s traditional teaching on homosexuality and sexual morality. To describe him as an ardent advocate of the LGBTQ agenda would be an understatement.
On August 28, Notre Dame hosted Martin for its annual Rev. Bernie Clark, C.S.C., Lecture in Catholic Social Tradition. The scandalous event, entitled “A Conversation with James Martin: Joy, Work, and Purpose,” was held in Geddes Hall as a keynote event of the 2026–27 Notre Dame Forum.
In warm and laudatory terms, the university presented the lecture series as an opportunity to hear from an “exemplary leader,” adding: “This year we are delighted to host Rev. James Martin, SJ.”
At the event, Martin was introduced by Notre Dame provost John McGreevy and interviewed by Suzanne Shanahan, executive director of the Institute for Social Concerns. Lest there be any doubt that the event was merely an unfortunate indiscretion that somehow slipped under the radar, it should be noted that it was co-sponsored by numerous Notre Dame institutes and programs.
Martin himself publicized his Notre Dame visit on X both before and during the event.
He also thanked the Holy Cross community, which has come under fire recently for abuse committed by multiple priests, for welcoming him to the famed school.
A heterodox history
Many Catholics who still care about Notre Dame’s obligation to maintain a recognizably Catholic identity decried the decision to platform a speaker with Martin’s deeply heretical “pedigree.”
Martin rose to particular prominence through his 2017 book Building a Bridge, which advocated a new relationship between the Catholic Church and the “LGBTQ community.” He has subsequently become the most visible and outspoken proponent of reshaping Catholic approaches to homosexuality under the banner of “LGBTQ outreach,” while also being elevated to roles at the Vatican under Francis.
As far back as 2019, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia warned of a “pattern of ambiguity” in Martin’s teaching. Chaput, who was neither the first nor the last prelate to voice concern, criticized Martin for promoting the term “LGBT Catholic,” suggesting that the Catechism of John Paul II describing homosexual acts as “intrinsically disordered” should be changed. Martin has also associated with dissident New Ways Ministry. Chaput stressed that Martin “does not speak with authority on behalf of the Church.”
The Dispatch
Needless to say, Martin has not retreated from his advocacy. He has repeatedly and disingenuously insisted that he has never challenged the Church’s teachings on same-sex sexual activity or marriage.
Yet his public record demonstrates a sustained effort to normalize sodomitical activity and relationships for Catholics. He has also publicly blessed homosexual couples, invoking Francis’ Fiducia Supplicans.
Winning the praise of Francis
Despite these controversies, Martin has received encouragement or at least tacit support from the highest levels of the post-conciliar church. This, in itself, suggests that rather than being an outlying thorn in the hierarchy’s side, Martin is the poster boy of the Synodal church.
Francis Bergoglio personally praised Martin’s ministry and, in a 2021 letter, told the Jesuit that in his pastoral work he was seeking to imitate God’s “closeness, compassion and tenderness.” He thanked Martin for his pastoral zeal and encouraged him to continue. Francis also corresponded with Martin in 2022 for his work with LGBTQ Catholics.
Not surprisingly, Francis’ protégé, Robert Prevost, has continued this support. On September 1, 2025, Leo received Martin in a private audience at the Apostolic Palace. Afterwards, Martin said Prevost encouraged him to continue his work and that he heard from Leo the “same message” of openness and welcome toward LGBTQ Catholics that he received from Francis.
Welcoming other dissident voices
For those hoping that this stain on Notre Dame’s reputation will soon fade from memory, another controversial guest is already waiting in the wings.
The school is now readying to host Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, O.P., another prominent conciliar prelate whose statements on homosexuality have generated considerable controversy among traditional Catholics, at its “A Listening Church” symposium in October.
Among Radcliffe’s most scandalous and blasphemous remarks were comments he made in 2013 when he said, “How does all this bear on the question of gay sexuality? We cannot begin with the question of whether it is permitted or forbidden! We must ask what it means, and how far it is Eucharistic.”
He went on to argue that homosexual sexuality can be “generous, vulnerable, tender, mutual and non-violent,” before concluding: “In many ways I think it can be expressive of Christ’s self-gift.”
If Martin and Radcliffe are Notre Dame’s idea of “exemplary leaders,” Catholics seeking a tertiary education firmly grounded in traditional Catholic teaching would be well advised to look elsewhere.
