Libardo Rocha

Islands & Bridges Libardo Rocha

Islands & Bridges is a collection of essays and an interview on the state of Independent Catholicism in the United States today. The first essay, "Meditations for a Gathering of Independent Catholic Clergy in Austin, Texas" was written for an interjurisdictional encounter of 40 Independent Catholic clergy on October 24-26, 2019. In this work, Father Libardo calls for greater unity within Independent Catholicism and for the building of "bridges" to unite the many "islands" within Independent Catholicism. He also challenges Independent Catholic clergy to consider coming together as a synod, to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing U. S. Independent Catholicism and to pen the movement's own Lumen Gentium. The second essay, "Did God Conceive of the Church?", is an analysis of the roots of churches and of "the Church" from the perspectives of sociology, psychology, archaeology and theology. In this work, Father Libardo concludes that yes, salvation is possible outside the Roman Catholic Church, which, for many years, claimed a monopoly on salvation. The final essay, "Catholic Terrorists," explores the psychology of those who wish to harm others-especially those who do so in the name of God and/or of religion. In this work, Father Libardo shares various example of religious terrorism, expounds on those who see themselves as acting in the name of God, and offers a commentary on the evangelical counsels of poverty, obedience and chastity. Of special note is his exposition on the misinterpretation of the Bible and the lack of a scriptural basis for condemning homosexuality. The second half of this book is comprised of an interview with Father Libardo, in which he speaks of his childhood, his formation for ministry in the Roman Catholic Church, his experiences as a priest, and his views on a number of issues in the Church. He concludes, "Let us therefore love one another and come together as one, so as to bridge together the many islands on which we currently find ourselves. Let us aspire to be the Body of Christ!"