Jesus, Pope Francis, and a Protestant Walk into a Bar

"This book rejoices both my heart and my mind... Here are respected, mainline Protestant clergy speaking with grace and respect and, in places, near-affection for the work and ministry and public stances of a Pope. Here is a line of thought and prayer-filled commentary that, if embraced, can only lead all of us to a new and holier way of being the people of God together in tomorrow's world."-- Phyllis Tickle, author of The Great Emergence "Pope Francis is our facilitator for this intriguing invitation into Protestant-Catholic dialogue, with his presence, teachings, and lifestyle used to illustrate the gospel that Protestants too affirm - transcending our mutual ecclesiastical and doctrinal disagreements and wounds. I strongly recommend this book with its accompanying suggestions and questions for use by both Protestant and Catholic groups in exploring a deeper understanding of their own faith and that of each other." --Fr. W. Paul Jones, Trappist monk and resident director of the Hermitage Spiritual Retreat Center in Pittsburg, MO "The simple and inclusive acts of Pope Francis are better responses to Jesus' central question, 'Do you love me?' than exclusive ecclesiastical practices and guilt-based teachings. This book offers Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians a fresh start in their broken relationships and helps to sweep away exclusive practices and hurtful attitudes while cherishing differences, to love more universally and more intensely."-- The Rev. Dr. Vern Barnet, founder of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council