A Catholic Priest Perfectly Explains What's Wrong With Trump's Transgender Policy

Nobody can escape the implications of the current political climate — not even the church. That's why 56-year-old Jesuit priest, New York Times-bestseller, and political commentator Father James Martin refuses to stay silent on the issues facing his faith in 2017. NYC-based Father Martin isn't shy on social media, regularly uploading videos to directly address issues like the refugee crisis and tweeting his messages to more than 100k followers. And, like most avid social media users, Father Martin isn't afraid to throw a little shade . . . he just does it with kindness.

After tweeting about the Trump administration's recent guidelines on transgender students' rights, Father Martin received flack from a fellow priest for defending transgender kids' dignity. Martin's original tweet read, "It saddens me that a #trans student cannot choose what bathrooms to use. A basic need. It's an affront to their dignity as human beings." The second priest replied that he hoped Martin's tweet was a joke.

Instead of ignoring the hater, though, Martin delivered an epic burn — and he used the utmost respect and biblical principles while doing so.

A screenshot of the spiritually savage exchange went viral on Twitter, receiving nearly 120k interactions in only three days. Responses to Martin's Christian clapback celebrated "dragging him with kindness" and thanked Martin for being so "progressive and forward-thinking."

Father Martin has been openly critical of other White House decisions since Donald Trump's inauguration, including the president's hostility toward the press and controversial immigration views. We have the feeling that we haven't seen the last of his spiritual Twitter burns, and we'll be happily awaiting the next round of priestly payback.