William Barber, and the Question of Faith and Politics

An illustrated portrait of Reverend William Barber
Illustration by Golden Cosmos

The North Carolina pastor William Barber, who spoke at the inaugural prayer service at the start of the Biden Administration, wants politics to be guided by faith and morality. But conservatives, Barber thinks, are deeply confused about Christ’s teachings. Then Paul Elie considers Biden as only the second Catholic President. Elie thinks that Catholics demoralized by decades of the Church’s abuse scandals are welcoming Biden as a “moral authority” outside the religious hierarchy. Plus, a conversation with the singer and songwriter Kurt Vile, and a live performance.

William Barber on Faith and Politics

The pastor, who spoke at the inaugural prayer service, wants politics guided by Christian morality. And conservatives, Barber thinks, are deeply confused about Christ’s teachings.


Joe Biden, the Second Catholic President

Paul Elie considers the influence of the President’s faith on his policy, and how Biden might bring “moral authority” to a Church damaged by decades of abuse scandals.


Kurt Vile Talks with Amanda Petrusich

Amanda Petrusich talks with the musician about his quirky songwriting process and his experience opening for Neil Young.