Books I Recommend On Some Controversial Catholic Issues

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Readers often tell me that they appreciate the books on spiritual and ecclesiastical matters that I recommend from time to time. Here are two books that I think should be of interest to a broad Catholic audience. (They should be available from your local Catholic bookstore and from on-line booksellers).

+ Bishop Robert Barron, Letter To A Suffering Church: A Bishop Speaks On The Sexual Abuse Crisis

This is a book, especially in its revised and expanded edition, that every Catholic and interested non-Catholic should read.

The author is an auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles and, more famously, the founder of the Word on Fire ministry, which has taken off like wildfire, and is one of the more important projects in the Church today.

In this book, Bishop Barron takes on squarely and unflinchingly the matter of child sexual abuse in the Church, which, he says, “has been a diabolical masterpiece ... that has gripped the Catholic Church for the past thirty years and that continues to wreak havoc even today.”

He writes: “This book is a [cry from the heart]. I am a lifelong Catholic, and I’ve been a priest for thirty-three years and a bishop for four years. I have dedicated my life to the Church. The sexual abuse scandal has been for me, for millions of other Catholics, and especially for the victim-survivors, lacerating.”

He says: “I have written this book for my fellow Catholics who feel, understandably, demoralized, scandalized, angry beyond words, and ready to quit.”

He concludes: “What I finally urge my brothers and sisters in the Church to do is to stay and fight – and to do so on behalf of themselves and their families, but especially on behalf of those who have suffered so grievously at the hands of wicked men.”

I could not recommend this book highly enough. Those who have read it have told me that it has initially scandalized them – but eventually has strengthened their faith.

+ James Martin, S.J., Building A Bridge: How The Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter Into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity

Jesuit priest James Martin is one of the most popular writers in American Catholicism today. His books have been national best-sellers. The book I am reviewing here is one of his most important.  

One of the most contentious issues in the Church today is the relationship between the LGBT communities and the Church. Historically, the stance of the Church has been one of outright condemnation. More positive-thinking bishops and pastors have been, at best, patronizing. Despite some positive statements in Church documents against social hostility toward LGBT communities, this has not always been translated into action. Calls against social rejection and discrimination toward gays and lesbians in recent decades have often seemed to the LGBT communities a matter of lip service.

Martin’s book seeks to address this negativity and proposes concrete ways in which to bring the LGBT communities and the Church into real dialogue and mutual respect.

Martin has received much accusation that he has compromised Church teaching. However, his book has been warmly welcomed by three American cardinals (including one who works in the Vatican) and eight American archbishops and bishops. The book received its highest accolade from Pope Francis, who invited Martin to a brief meeting in which the pope praised Martin’s ministry to LGBT communities.

I recommend this book highly to bishops and pastors, as well as to LGBT people themselves, their families and friends, and indeed all Catholics.

Msgr. M. Francis Mannion is pastor emeritus of St. Vincent de Paul Parish.