Father Aaron Wessman is the author of The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World.
CINCINNATI, Ohio — Glenmary Father Aaron Wessman has penned, The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World (New City Press, Feb. 20, 2023). In his words, the book aims to help readers “discern a way out of the toxicity in which we live, and to stimulate courage and hope,” amidst polarization.
Calling the culture war metaphor used by Christians for decades a “cancer within the Church’s missionary endeavors,” Father Wessman says the book is an examination of conscience of sorts, a call for Catholics and other Christians to confront the Church’s culpability in contributing to an atmosphere of anger, hate and resentment.
Father Aaron Wessman is the First Vice President (Vicar General) and Director of Formation for the Glenmary Home Missioners.
“Christians including myself must ask how the logic of polarization is undermining the fundamental tasks of the Church in the world,” Father Wessman says.
Throughout the book Father Wessman attempts assiduously to be non-partisan. “If one is a Christian, one’s identity as a Christian should be the preeminent identity in one’s life,” he says. Christian faith should open people to the vast mysteries of the world, not close them off to different ideas, people, cultures, experiences. In The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World, Father Wessman offers a way for the Church to respond to polarization in light of its call to live as Jesus’s followers in this world.
“This is a very significant and timely publication,” said Bishop Paul D. Tighe, Secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education. “It offers a detailed and sobering analysis of the emergence of polarization in both political and ecclesial life. More importantly, it offers believers a reason to hope by challenging them, and showing them how to be people ‘who can cross over’—to be disciples who follow the example of Jesus in seeking dialogue and true encounter with all our brothers and sisters.”
Father Wessman, an emerging voice in Catholic thought, is a priest of the Glenmary Home Missioners. He is the society’s First Vice President (Vicar General) and Director of Formation.
The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World can be ordered HERE.
The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World
By Aaron Wessman
New City Press
PUB DATE: February 20, 2023
Softcover $24.95 240 pages
Print: 978-1-56548-549-5
e-book: 978-1-56548-550-1