Film profiles bishop who healed Detroit after 1967 riots

Gumbleton, known for his liberal stands on issues such as gay rights and nuclear proliferation, said he had to help local parishes navigate racial issues as well as changes within the church in the years following Vatican II.

“After the 1967 riot, the church went through a lot of dramatic changes. It had a lot to do with leadership style,” Gumbleton said. “I wanted to make sure we carried out the mandate to welcome all people.”

Gumbleton served as pastor of many parishes, including St. Aloysius, Holy Ghost and St. Leo’s, until his retirement as auxiliary bishop in 2006. He remains active as a priest.

Some consider Gumbleton a hero for his work uniting black and white parishes, and that’s what prompted local filmmaker Jasmine Rivera to document the bishop’s life.