This month, Orbis Books releases No Guilty Bystander: The extraordinary life of Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, a biography of Pax Christi USA’s first bishop president, written by Frank Fromherz and Suzanne Sattler, IHM. The book – its title is a twist on Thomas Merton’s self-reference as a “guilty bystander” – starts with Bishop Gumbleton’s growing awareness in the 1960s of the U.S.’s role in Southeast Asia, and then shifts to his childhood in Detroit. It covers his development as a beloved pastor, an outspoken advocate for justice and committed activist, and a deeply faithful follower of Jesus.
>> Pax Christi USA members: Use coupon code PAX23 to receive 30 percent off the cover price! Offer only available at the Orbis Books website.
>> Watch this 37 minute conversation between authors Frank Fromherz and Sue Sattler and Robert Ellsberg, publisher of Orbis Books, about how Bishop Gumbleton’s work and the growth in his commitment to peace and justice.
>> Download this bookmark created by Judy Holmes, made especially for the book launch on July 27
Pax Christi USA Executive Director Johnny Zokovitch said, “[This book] perfectly captures the depth and breadth of Bishop Gumbleton’s life, witness, and profound impact on the U.S. Catholic Church and the faith-based peace and justice movement. [It] is a celebration of what authentic discipleship looks like. For anyone who wonders what it means to speak truth to power from a place of deep and abiding faith, reflecting on the life of Tom Gumbleton is the perfect place to start.”
Order your copy of No Guilty Bystander at the Orbis Books website, www.orbisbooks.com. Use coupon code PAX23 to receive 30 percent off the cover price!
In honor of Bishop Gumbleton’s longtime devotion to Haiti, royalties on sales of No Guilty Bystander will go to the Kay Lasante Health Clinic in Port au Prince.
>> All are welcome to attend the book launch celebration, Thursday, July 27, 6:30-8 PM, Sacred Heart Church, 1000 Eliot Street, Detroit, MI; the event will be live-streamed on the Sacred Heart website. Use this link: www.sacredheartdetroit.com –– click “Livestreams” from the top menu and then select July 27, 2023.
>> Hold a watch party for your community: Invite friends, family, community members to watch the live-stream together. For instance, the Precious Blood Renewal Center in Liberty, MO will hold a watch party on July 27, starting at 5:30 PM Central. Use this link to find more information.
3 thoughts on ““No Guilty Bystander,” a new biography of Bishop Tom Gumbleton, now available”