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	Outspoken, Liberal Bishop to Speak in Marion By Mardi Suhs Cadillac News September 13, 2007 http://www.cadillacnews.com/articles/2007/09/13/news/news08.txt Marion — Renee Watkins of Marion calls herself a peace activist and serves as the social justice chairperson at her church, St. Agnes in Marion. One of the peace activists she admires most is Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, a controversial, liberal Catholic whose awards include the Pope Paul VI Teacher of Peace and the National Peace Foundation Award - just two accolades in a long list of humanitarian and lifetime achievements. When Watkins called the Bishop's office in Detroit and invited him to speak at her church in Marion, he agreed. "He is an unbelievable national speaker," she said. "In my opinion he's right up there with Martin Luther King as far as nonviolence and peaceful demonstrations." In spite of his long list of awards, honorary degrees and extensive international travel, his stance on many issues has stirred controversy and censorship. Last February Gumbleton was prohibited from speaking in Arizona, reportedly for his close ties with a Catholic group that promotes "progressive Catholicism" that includes a call for the acceptance of homosexuals and the ordination of women. Last year, after serving 23 years as pastor of an inner-city parish in Detroit, he was replaced. Although his removal was said to be due to a requirement for all bishops to submit their resignation to the pope at age 75, Gumbleton addressed his congregation and said, "I did not choose to leave St. Leos. It's something that was forced upon me as a consequence of speaking out on victims of sexual abuse in the church." In spite of the controversy surrounding the Catholic priest, his parishioners love and support him. "He is peaceful and gentle," Watkins described the man she admires. "He is the most peaceful and gentle man and he just oozes love and kindness." His topic Sunday will be the war in Iraq. "He's visited Iraq eight times," Watkins reported. "He will give an update on what it's really like for civilians. He will be talking about the ways that we, as American citizens, can promote change in the philosophy of war in a non-violent way." Following his speaking engagement there will be a coffee reception. Contact: news@cadillacnews.com
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