Thomas Gumbleton, a Catholic bishop in Detroit known for his advocacy for peace, social justice, and labor rights, passed away at the age of 94. The Archdiocese of Detroit announced his death, highlighting his dedication to serving the people and his strong moral compass. Gumbleton gained national recognition in the 1960s for his opposition to the Vietnam War and was a founding leader of Pax Christi USA, a Catholic peace movement. He believed that U.S. involvement in the war was morally wrong and stated that he would go to jail or leave the country if drafted as a conscientious objector.
Despite facing criticism and hate mail, Gumbleton remained steadfast in his beliefs and continued to speak out against war and violence. He traveled to various countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, El Salvador, and Israel, to meet with victims of violence and advocate for peace. His activism often led to his arrest at protests, demonstrating his commitment to living out the teachings of the gospel. Bishop John Stowe of Lexington, Kentucky, described Gumbleton as someone who lived out the gospel truth and stood up for marginalized communities.
Gumbleton retired from active ministry in 2006 after decades of service as a priest and auxiliary bishop in Detroit. He was known for his leadership at St. Leo parish, which had a large Black congregation, and his sermons were regularly featured in the National Catholic Reporter. In 2006, Gumbleton supported legislation to extend the statute of limitations for sexual abuse victims, revealing that he himself had been a victim of inappropriate behavior by a priest. He also publicly supported LGBTQ+ youth and denounced bullying directed at them, encouraging readers to take action in defending democracy and supporting marginalized communities.
Throughout his life, Gumbleton urged others to be publicly engaged and advocate for causes they believe in. He emphasized the importance of each individual playing a small part in creating positive change in society. He believed in the power of collective action and encouraged others to stand up for their beliefs, whether it be supporting LGBTQ+ rights, defending democracy, or championing social justice. Gumbleton’s legacy as a tireless advocate for peace and justice will continue to inspire others to take action and strive for a more just and compassionate world.
