July 7, 2026 - Hour 1

Segment 1: World Cup spat shows the futility of Identity PoliticsAfter French star Kylian Mbappé eliminated her country from the World Cup, a progressive senator from Paraguay unleashed a tirade of racist taunts on social media. Mbappé criticized her, saying she was a “despicable woman who is unworthy of office,” and in response she accused him of sexism and threatened legal action if he didn’t apologize. The senator’s comments are another example of the silliness and futility of identity politics. Marcus has more.Segment 2: Catholic Charities sues Michigan over loss of women’s services designationA Michigan branch of Catholic Charities has filed a lawsuit against the state, after the state stripped its Cristo Rey Counseling Center of its designation as a women’s specialty services organization because of the organization’s religious on abortion and birth control. Jeremiah Galus of the Alliance Defending Freedom has more.Segment 3: Engaging the World as Christ Did (2 segments)In an increasingly secular world, Christians are often pulled in two directions. Some urge us to retreat and build insular communities. Others call upon us to wage a culture war, harnessing the government to shore up Christian cultural power. But there is another way—and it’s as old as the church itself. Stephen Pressley joins us. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com