The Berrigan Letters

Overview

Published for the first time, excerpts from seven decades of letters between the brothers famed for their social activism, civil disobedience, peacemaking efforts, and sharp critiques of American foreign policy.

As one whose own journey has been enriched and inspired by the public witness of the Berrigans, it has been a moving experience, through these letters, to enter into the intimate relationship they shared and to understand the bonds of loyalty, love, and faith that sustained their courageous work for peace and justice. --Martin Sheen

The Berrigan letters are an important, even essential addition to understanding a momentous era in the life of the US Roman Catholic Church and, indeed, the nation. --Religion & Ethics Newsweekly (PBS)

"This excellent book would be beneficial for the introductory peace and justice studies or introductory theology course at the undergraduate level, as well as Catholic social teaching courses in high school or college. Catholic leaders in academics, in parishes and dioceses, in community organizing, and in advocacy work would also benefit from this powerful narrative approach." --Eli S. McCarthy, in Peace & Justice Studies

Not only a valuable academic resource, this book is also a treasure for those devoted to the causes of peacemaking and social justice, revealing insights into the activism of the Berrigans but also profound and moving glimpses of their intense devotion to each other and their unbending faith in the face of great adversity.

While many letters address the issues of war and peace, they also touch on other issues, such as abortion, capital punishment, and politics; on ecclesial issues such as their respective religious orders, prayer, and sacraments; and on their family and personal relationships, including letters sent in the last weeks and months of Philip Berrigan's life.

Daniel Cosacchi is Canisius Postdoctoral Fellow and Lecturer in the religious studies department at Fairfield University.

Eric Martin is a doctoral student in modern historical theology at Fordham University in New York City. He has taught courses on ethics, environmental ethics, and the religious and political thought of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.