The Radical Gospel of Bishop Thomas Gumbleton

"As we teeter on the brink of environmental and moral collapse, Gumbleton consistently models what authentic religious authority, carried out in humble spiritual freedom, looks like. This biography should be required reading for those U.S. Catholic bishops who seek to follow the gospel in the church and world today." --Rose Marie Berger, senior associate editor at Sojourners

"Peter Feuerherd beautifully captures the rare mixture of this shepherd's courage and humility-- two virtues which have made him an effective advocate for marginalized groups. This book, like its subject, is a gift to the Catholic community." --Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director, New Ways Ministry

"Bishop Tom Gumbleton is a source of hope for all of us whose hearts have been broken by the Church, and a deep inspiration for those trying to follow the Gospel call to nonviolence and just peace. Peter Feuerherd captures well the story of his extraordinary life!" --Marie Dennis, Pax Christi International Co-President (2007-2019)

During his 38 years as auxiliary bishop of Detroit, Bishop Thomas Gumbleton became known as a tireless and prophetic voice for peace and justice. When he was installed in 1968, one the youngest U.S. bishops, Gumbleton appeared to be a rising star in the church hierarchy, but he opted for the path of radical discipleship. Although never elevated to head a diocese, he left a lasting mark as a founding president of Pax Christi USA, and he served as a member of the committee that drafted the U.S. bishops historic pastoral letter on nuclear war.

An early opponent of the Vietnam War, and later an international ambassador for peace, Bishop Gumbleton has been an advocate for the poor and homeless, for victims of clergy sex abuse, for welcoming LGBTQ people in the church, and for promoting the role of women.