Endorsements
"A thought-provoking challenge to all of us who love the Catholic Church and believe in the power of nonviolence."
—MARIE DENNIS, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
"An ancient axiom tells us that “our Church is always in need of reform [Ecclesia semper reformada]”. What better way to bring about reform than through the “active love” (nonviolence) modeled by Jesus? Love in Action teaches us to do just that. "
—BISHOP THOMAS J. GUMBLETON, Detroit, Mich.
"Nearly all of us understand the meaning of love. Many of us understand the meaning of “tough love.” But do we understand the importance of love united with action? Richard Taylor helps us turn our love of Catholic faith and gospel values into “love in action.” He is first and foremost a teacher, and his lifetime of nonviolent action to secure social justice is inspirational. In this book, he teaches us how to be true to our deepest beliefs in Jesus, in justice, and the gift of using our knowledge and faith to make a difference. Every Catholic can use this book in their daily life. "
—JIM POST, Cofounder, Voice of the Faithful
"A common response among dedicated Catholics hoping for a significant reform in the institutional church has been discouragement. Yet the reality is that gospel nonviolence is more powerful than any other force for bringing about radical change in structures that have become encrusted with selfishness and narcissism. This hard-hitting handbook grounds us in the need for persistence and hope. Its goals are real and solidly rooted in the mission of Christ; the methodology is realistic and concrete; and the end result is reachable. The clergy sexual abuse “crisis” has served as the catalyst to awaken the realization that reform and renewal in the Spirit of Christ is not only needed, but radically essential if Catholic Christians are to remain true to their baptismal calling. Love in Action is one result of this crisis. It serves as a handbook for much more than nonviolent methods. It’s really a handbook for how to live out one’s baptism… "
—THOMAS P. DOYLE, JCD, CADC
"This wonderful resource may have been written for just this moment in time. "
—RITA HOWARTH, The Quixote Center
"Richard Taylor not only talks the talk, but he has—and does—walk the walk. Drawing on years of experience in prayer and nonviolent direct action, he has constructed a handbook which is invaluable for any group seeking Church reform. “Give it a try,” Dick encourages. If we all gave it a try, the reign of God would be very close. "
—GAILE M. POHLHAUS, PHD, retired professor of theology at Villanova University; recipient of the 2007 College Theology Society National Service Award
"The Roman Catholic Church has proclaimed Jesus’ powerful vision and practice of transformative love and nonviolence in lives and societies around the world for two thousand years. In Love in Action, Richard K. Taylor clearly and comprehensively reveals how this gospel nonviolence can be unleashed to reform the church itself. After exploring how the heart of the Good News is also the heart of spiritually grounded nonviolence, Taylor carefully lays out the steps and strategies of gospel nonviolence and their application to the contemporary call to help free the church to become—within and without—a new force for justice and peace. Taylor’s resource will play an important role in present and future initiatives to create a more inclusive and just Catholic community. "
—KEN BUTIGAN, Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service
"I especially appreciate Taylor’s emphasis on discernment, preparing spiritually, strategizing and negotiation before moving to nonviolent direct action. Too often people want to picket the cathedral without a plan, or worse without talking to diocesan officials. Love in Action contains vitally important tools for building a more effective church reform movement. "
—CHRISTINE SCHENK, CSJ, Executive Director of FutureChurch
"Richard Taylor’s Love in Action is, as its subtitle states: A Direct- Action Handbook for Catholics Using Gospel Nonviolence to Reform and Renew the Church. Now there can be no excuse saying, “I wish the Catholic Church would reform and renew itself according to Vatican Council II—but what can I do about it?” Love in Action tells us precisely how to do it. What are you waiting for?!"
Love in Action comes just in the nick of time. I hope it will be read far and wide, studied by Church groups, and put into practice, so that we can all become more nonviolent and loving, and together disarm, heal, and transform our Church into a community of love in action. "
—LEONARD SWIDLER, PHD, Cofounder of the Association for the Rights of Catholics in the Church (ARCC)
"Love In Action comes just in the nick of time. I hope it will be read far and wide, studied by Church groups, and put into practice, so that we can all become more nonviolent and loving, and together disarm, heal, and transform our Church into a community of love in action."
—CHRISTINE SCHENK, CSJ, Executive Director of FutureChurch