On July 27, No Guilty Bystander, the new biography of Bishop Tom Gumbleton, Pax Christi USA’s bishop-president emeritus, was launched in front of a standing-room only crowd at Sacred Heart Church in Detroit.
>> Read more about the new book at this link.
>> Use this link to order your copy of No Guilty Bystander: The extraordinary life of Bishop Thomas Gumbleton from the Orbis Books website. Use the coupon PAX23 to receive 30 percent off.
Hundreds of Bishop Tom’s friends, supporters, and former parishioners, many of whom are Pax Christi members, gathered to hear reflections from Jerry and Mary Clare Gumbleton, two of Bishop Tom’s nieces and nephews; from Orbis Books publisher Robert Ellsberg; from No Guilty Bystander co-authors Frank Fromherz and Sr. Suzanne Sattler, IHM; and from Bishop Tom’s longtime assistant Nancy Driscoll. The emcee for the evening was Sacred Heart’s pastoral associate John J.F. Thorne.
The overarching theme of the event was gratitude and deep admiration for a man who has fully given his life for peace and justice, who — with great faith, humility and humor — has followed the path of Jesus wherever it led him. Pax Christi USA is immensely indebted to Bishop Tom’s gentle, clear leadership, and his unwavering commitment to the work of sharing Gospel nonviolence.
>> Use this link to read Robert Ellsberg’s tribute to Bishop Tom.
>> Use this link to read Paul Wilkes’s review of No Guilty Bystander in the National Catholic Reporter.
>> See all of the photos from the event at this link.
And thanks to Mary Hanna of Pax Christi Michigan for sharing photos!
In 2022, many Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace awardees, including Bishop Tom (who received the award in 1991), were interviewed as part of as part of Pax Christi USA’s 50th anniversary celebration. Watch Michelle Sherman’s interview with Bishop Tom here: