Endorsements
TEN COMMANDMENTS OF CHURCH REFORM. Memoirs of a Catholic Priest, by John Wijngaards (Acadian House Publishing, Lafayette 2021)
Prof Mary McAleese, Former President of Ireland (1997-2011); Chancellor of Trinity College, Dublin
“What a life, what a journey, what a wonderful champion of Catholic Church reform and what an authentic interpreter of the gospel of love is John Wijngaards. From war-time childhood in a grim internment camp, to an hugely energetic and innovative missionary priesthood, to relentless , courageous, scholarly advocacy against contested magisterial teachings on Humanae Vitae, women’s ordination, priestly celibacy, Church governance and LGBTI rights, this beautiful memoir showcases to perfection what needs to change if the infantilizing man-made church laws which have created dysfunction and disillusionment through compulsion and control are to finally give way to the humble, listening, loving, Christ-centred Church John believes us capable of creating with God’s help and our own!”
—–+—–
Fr Piet Korse MHM, former missionary in the Congo and Uganda, inculturation expert, author of many books
“Ten Commandments for Church Reform by John Wijngaards deserves credit. I finished reading the book from A to Z in just a few days. A vivid description of his colourful life. He worked extremely hard in so many ways to bring about the Kingdom of God, a kingdom in which people are allowed to find their own happiness. I can fully concur with his appeals for reform. I myself have also experienced painful episodes and deep frustrations in my priestly ministry. I have described those in my autobiographies. That is why his book resonates with me in a special way. I recommend the book to all concerned Catholics but especially to priests in the ministry.”
—–+—–
Nelleke H.E.A. Serrarens, MSc, lecturer (em) Deacon Formation Institute, advocate of the political anti-poverty movement and the women’s diaconate.
“The book of John Wijngaards Ten Commandments for Church Reform is impressive for several reasons. To name a few: his dedication to people as a priest, his personal experiences of war as a child, his extensive research about the ordination of women as deacon and priest. It all has fundamentally to do with a profound respect for the dignity and equality of people, the poor and the rich, women and men, homo- and heterosexuals.
The Ten Commandments for Church Reform result from his ardent hope to make the Church more pastoral and synodal, as an institution that liberates and empowers people. His work is all based on solid academic research, biblical, ethical and sociological. From my own experience as member of the Board of the International Diaconate Center and my research among wives of deacons I know how many wish for the ordination of women as deacons. They see this ordination as a blessing for both the people and the Church.
John Wijngaards’s latest book gives a very interesting overview of all the issues he has courageously dedicated himself to, during many years. Highly recommended!”
—–+—–
Rev Dr Asayo Okumura Thomas is a minister of the United Church of Christ, New York. She lecturers at Grace Theological Seminary.
“John Wijngaards’s faithfulness and conviction invite you to deepen your spirituality and challenge you to face the realities that have been unveiled and, simultaneously, move forward with conviction and reconciliation in Christ. This book must be read by ordained ministers regardless of any denominations, those who discern their own journey, those who call themselves “Christian,” and non-Christians.
Dr. Wijngaards’s obedience to Christ’s LOVE throughout his life will guide you to surrender in Him through the convictions and trust. His hardship at the camp during WWII deepened the spiritual insight beyond the two-dimensional world on “limping theology” argued by Japanese Theologian Kosuke Koyama. After all, the book shows us that the love of Jesus Christ manifests Dr. Wijngaards’s every step and each breath to the fruitfulness of his journey.”
—–+—–
 |
 |
