Name: Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton
Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton, pastor of Saint Leo Church in Detroit, Michigan, is a long time peace activist and former president of Pax Christi USA. In addition to a large collection of awards, Bishop Gumbleton has served the Catholic church in a number of positions, including on the committee of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops that wrote the landmark document The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response (1983). Through an exemplary model of public discipleship, Bishop Gumbleton continues to raise the awareness of the church in North America through his travels throughout the world as well as a weekly article on the web edition of The National Catholic Reporter.
- Who inspires you?
Dan Berrigan, Dorothy Day, Oscar Romero, Gordon Zahn, Franz Jägerstätter - What are the biggest obstacles to peace?
Greed: the constant struggle for wealth, leading to over consumption of the world’s resources. - What is the biggest challenge your organization faces?
Failure on the part of the Church to adhere to the radical Gospel message of Jesus. - How do you get the news?
Reading national newspapers and a variety of progressive newsletters, especially from anti-war groups. I also listen to National Public Radio. - How do you nurture your faith life?
Daily prayer and meditation; developing relationships with people of faith and similar values. - Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn't know.
I am left-handed. I used to play hockey. - Last good book you read?
"The Kite Runner," by Khaled Hosseini - Last good movie you saw?
"Sideways" - What were you like in High School?
I was in the seminary; very sheltered, introverted; studied hard; played lots of sports. - What is your favorite comfort food?
Potatoes - Share a favorite quote that inspires you.
Pope John Paul II pleading with youth to “Be artisans of peace.”
