ATHENS, Ga., July 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Recent sexual scandals and passionately conflicting doctrinal views have shaken Catholicism to its core. In his exciting romantic mystery, "The Bishop of San Francisco: Romance, Intrigue and Religion" (now available through AuthorHouse), Eugene C. Bianchi delves into the heart of the Church's most troubling struggles.
The Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco, Mark Doyle, a man of conviction, has fallen wildly in love with his therapist, Miriam Faberini. This poses a problem for the progressive clergyman, who has no intention of stepping away from his role as a church leader. But his enemies have violent plans. Two of his priests are killed by the right-wing Catholic group, Ordo Novus. The first to die is Gus D'Amato, a gay pastor of San Francisco's homosexual Castro District. Next, the organization targets liberation theology activist Roger Moriarty.
The representative of Ordo Novus, and Mark's chief nemesis, is Malcolm, a former priest who had been defrocked for sexually abusing teenage boys. Bianchi expertly brings this chilling character into the story in short chapters, as Malcolm lurks in the shadows, expressing his vengeful plans on the liberal church community.
Mark is called to the Vatican for an interrogation, and a cast of colorful characters align themselves on polar sides of the growing confrontation.
"Around (Mark and Miriam) swirl all the conflicts of contemporary Catholicism: liberation theology, the role of women in the Church, celibacy, homosexuality (and) pedophile priests. Dark forces opposed to Church reform conspire against them ... in a story that ranges from Nicaragua to Northern California and Rome. ("The Bishop of San Francisco" is) a fun read you will not be able to put down until you finish," writes Rosemary Radford Ruether, Carpenter Professor of Feminist Theology at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Calif.
Bianchi's personal experience and scholarship give him a unique perspective on church conflict that allows him to shape this rich and realistic story. A former Jesuit, he is also a professor emeritus of religion at Emory University. He has written numerous essays and published nine books, including "Elder Wisdom: Crafting Your Own Elderhood," "A Democratic Catholic Church," "Aging as a Spiritual Journey" (all published by Crossroad) and his latest work with Peter McDonough, "Passionate Uncertainty: Inside the American Jesuits" (University of California Press). Bianchi currently directs the Emeritus College at Emory, a faculty retirement organization, and is writing a memoir about changes in his spirituality over the years. Originally from Oakland, Calif., he now lives in Athens, Ga., with Margaret Herrman, his wife; Max, a Siamese cat; and Rhainy, a standard poodle. For more information, visit www.bianchibishopsf.com.
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