With profound sadness, we join Pax Christi USA in mourning the loss of their first bishop president, Bishop Tom Gumbleton.
A pillar of peace, nonviolence, and human rights, he dedicated his life to making the world a better place.
Our hearts go out to the PCUSA community and all who were touched by his remarkable life.
Originally ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1956, Bishop Gumbleton’s journey led him to become an auxiliary bishop and serve as vicar general of the archdiocese in 1968. His role as the first bishop president of Pax Christi USA from 1972 to 1991 underscores his unwavering commitment to promoting peace and justice.
“Bishop Gumbleton took the gospel to heart and lived it day in and day out. He preferred to speak the truth and to be on the side of the marginalized than to toe any party line and climb the ecclesiastical ladder. When it came to speaking the prophetic word he was unafraid and lived with the consequences. I pray for more shepherds like Tom Gumbleton who lived the spirituality of nonviolence in all contexts. It is kind of fitting that he shares the anniversary of death of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.“, said Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., bishop of Lexington, KY and the current bishop president of Pax Christi USA.
Bishop Gumbleton’s influence extended far beyond borders as he traveled the world advocating for peace and social justice. His deep-rooted convictions in church reform and the principles of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) exemplified his dedication to progressive ideals.
“In every aspect of his being, Tom lived out the ‘peace of Christ,’” stated Johnny Zokovitch, Pax Christi USA Executive Director. “Tom was everything that our movement aspires to. All of Pax Christi USA grieves at this loss but we celebrate too the gift that his life and witness were for us and for the Church.”
Johnny Zokovitch and Bishop Thomas Gumbleton at the 45th anniversary conference of Pax Christi Michigan in April 2022 | Pictures via Pax Christi USA
Bishop Marc Stenger, Co-President of Pax Christi International, expressed his condolences in a heartfelt message.
Dear sisters and brothers,
The entire Pax Christi International movement pays tribute today to a true promoter of peace, Bishop Thomas.
We extend our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters of Pax Christi USA for the loss of their founder and guide.
In the uncertain circumstances of today’s world, Bishop Tom will be greatly missed.
Dear Brother Tom, rest in peace and pray for us.
+ Marc STENGER, Bishop Emeritus of Troyes (F), Co-President of Pax Christi International
Bishops Gumbleton and Bishop Bettazzi at Franz Jagerstatter in Linz, October 2007 | Pictures via Pax Christi USA
To honor his life and legacy, Bishop Gumbleton’s Funeral Mass will take place at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 9844 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, on Saturday, April 13 at 11 am (local time). For those who can’t attend in person, the Mass will be livestreamed here. You can find Bishop Thomas Gumbleton Obituary here.
As we honor his memory, we encourage you to visit Pax Christi USA‘s website to explore a poignant memorial featuring heartfelt testimonials from those who knew Bishop Tom intimately.
I was saddened to learn of the death of Bishop Thomas Gumbleton.
All those who, like me, had the privilege of getting to know Bishop Gumbleton and, in a way, to walk with him, were struck and bear witness to his humility, his ability to listen, his simple, comforting and warm welcome, his empathy, his reassuring presence and his active strength to right wrongs… virtues that are so cruelly lacking in today’s world!
At such a difficult time, when the whole world is witnessing the ordeal endured by the Haitian people, they have just lost an ardent defender of the poor and oppressed, a “Good Shepherd”!
It is in the name of virtues in which I believe; also as a citizen of Haiti and former Secretary General of Pax Christi International (2007-2010), that I add my voice to the many other testimonies to pay a well-deserved tribute to Bishop Gumbleton.
Claudette Werleigh, Ambassador for Peace and former Secretary-General of Pax Christi International
I knew, as former Secretary-General (1978-2007) of Pax Christi International, Bishop Tom Gumbleton. He was an active vice-president of Pax Christi International for several years. Bishop Tom Gumbleton was impressive in his commitment to peace. He played an important role in the creation of the 1983 U.S. Bishops Peace Pastoral and brought his enthusiasm to many national branches of Pax Christi International. He supported victims of violence and human rights abuse and accompanied them in their struggles worldwide. It was an honor to have known him.
Etienne de Jonghe, former Secretary-General of Pax Christi International
Bishop Tom Gumbleton was an authentic prophet and a humble pastor. His way of living Gospel nonviolence was an important challenge to the Catholic Church in the United States and around the world, a way of engaging the powers and principalities, and an invitation to each of us. To have witnessed his passionate, powerful, gentle stand for just peace and respect for human rights in places as diverse as Haiti and Afghanistan, El Salvador and Guatemala was an immeasurable gift. I remember so clearly his compassionate presence with Sister Dianna Ortiz in Guatemala as we stood outside the building where she was tortured and with a little girl, Amena, in Afghanistan, whose whole family was killed by a “wayward” U.S. bomb. He taught us all so much about solidarity and accompaniment of communities being destroyed by our militarism and greed and he showed us how to love. We have so much to celebrate as we reflect on the life of this beloved founder of Pax Christi USA and beloved friend of Pax Christi International. Bishop Tom Gumbleton, presente!
Marie Dennis, Pax Christi USA 2023 Teacher of Peace, Ambassador of Peace, and former co-president of Pax Christi International
We reflect on the life and enduring message of Bishop Tom Gumbleton, who once said, “We live in a very dangerous time and at this moment we really do need to make a choice. We must reject the violence of war, the weapons that are so destructive, and we must turn to the way of Jesus, become the light he calls us to be, a light that reaches out in love to every person, starting in our families, our communities, our country, and then throughout the world.”
Cover picture © CNS/Jim West via NCR
