Publishers release books on the newly named pontiff and emphasize titles on namesake Francis of Assisi

Publishers, retailers and authors are responding to the March 13 election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to the papacy, taking the name Francis I. 

With his new name, the pope—a Jesuit from Buenos Aires, Argentina—seems to signal a desire to care for the poor and for rebuilding the church, commentators say. Chosen by the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, 76-year-old Francis is the first Latin American pope and the only pope in history from the Jesuit order.

Image Books, the Catholic imprint of Random House, was first on the scene to announce a new book on Pope Francis. Robert Moynihan, founder and editor of Inside the Vatican, a monthly journal on church and world affairs from Rome, offers an introduction to Bergoglio’s life and work in Pray for Me: The Life and Spiritual Vision of Pope Francis, First Pope From the Americas, releasing April 30.

“This is an exciting time not only for the church, but for the world,” said Gary Jansen, editor at Image. “The election of the world’s first Latin American pope, a man of Italian heritage, means a bridging of the Northern and Southern hemispheres in a way we’ve never seen and signifies a new global vision for the 1.2 billion people who call themselves Catholic.”

Image is also releasing a book by the pope along with co-author Rabbi Abraham Skorka, rector of the Latin American Rabbinical Seminary in Buenos Aires. The first English-language edition of On Heaven and Earth: Pope Francis on Faith, Family and the Church in the 21st Century will be published on May 7. A Spanish-language edition titled Sobre el Cielo y la Terra will be issued in North America by Vintage Español, a Random House imprint.

Ignatius Press announced it will release its first book on the pope April 10. Written by Andrea Tornielli, a journalist who works for the Italian paper La Stampa and contributes to the Vatican Insider project, Francis: Pope of a New World will draw from the words, ideas and personal recollections of Pope Francis—including inside material made available right up to the final hours before his election. Ignatius also describes the book as the story of why the cardinals “set aside political and diplomatic calculations to elect a pope who will lead the renewal and purification of the worldwide church of our time.” 

Regarding the election, Joseph Fessio, a priest of the Jesuit order and founder and publisher of Ignatius Press, said: “It is a brilliant stroke of the Holy Spirit that completely faked out the media (and me too, I have to say). A son of Ignatius takes the name of Francis. A man of Old World heritage who is part of the New World. Truly a Pontifex Maximus (which means ‘the greatest builder of bridges’). He’s solidly orthodox with a zeal for the poor. His model is the obedience of Ignatius and the poverty of Francis. How blessed we Catholics are in our popes!”

James Martin, Jesuit priest and best-selling author of the HarperOne books Between Heaven and Mirth and The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, offered this tweet upon hearing the news of the election: “The first Jesuit pope fills me with joy. God is a God of surprises!”

W Publishing Group and Grupo Nelson, imprints of Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins Christian Publishing, will release Francis: Man of Prayer by Spanish historian Mario Escobar. The Spanish version of the book will ship to stores April 10 and the English on April 17. 

On April 23, Saint Benedict Press was to release Pope Francis: The Pope From the End of the Earth by Thomas J. Craughwell. Known for his book Saints Behaving Badly (Doubleday), Craughwell gives a first look at the life and journey of the first pope from the New World.

Our Sunday Visitor Publishing is set to publish Pope Francis, a biography of the pope by Matthew Bunson, author, church historian and senior correspondent for Our Sunday Visitor.

Therese Brown, executive director of the Association of Catholic Publishers, lauded the election of Pope Francis.

“With all Catholics everywhere, we rejoice at the election of Pope Francis and pray for him as he begins his leadership of the church,” she said. “We echo the joy and humble spirit that he demonstrated in his greeting to the world. We look forward to continuing to spread the good news of the gospel in the U.S. and responding to his call of leadership and service to the young and old, rich and poor, friends and strangers, and all pilgrims in our church and world.”

Daniel Kroger, Franciscan Media CEO and publisher, reflected on the pope’s humility. 

“Reports from Argentina indicate that he is a humble guy who took the bus to his office every day, did his own cooking and had a modest apartment,” Kroger said. “We will see how he handles all the trappings associated with the papacy. Like [Pope] John XXIII, he may simplify and cut out a lot of the trappings that are unnecessary today. He is a man concerned with justice issues and has identified with the ordinary folk.”

When the pope was elected, Jon M. Sweeney, editor in chief at Paraclete Press, was called upon by national media, including CBS Sunday Morning, to share his expertise. His writings include Francis of Assisi (Image) and St. Francis Prayer Book (Paraclete), and he is editor of The Road to Assisi by Paul Sabatier (Paraclete). His interest in Francis of Assisi began before he joined the Catholic church in 2009. 

“Francis offers a great deal to Protestants, not just Catholics,” Sweeney said. “I believe he is the best example we have of a man who tried to model his life after the words of Christ, right down to the nitty gritty details. That’s why he inspires me. And, that is why I find the new pope inspiring. He is making all the right moves so far, following in the path of humility and respect that Francis of Assisi showed through his life. And boy, oh boy, could the Catholic church use that sort of leadership right about now!”

Paraclete also recently published its first graphic novel, Saint Francis and Brother Duck by Jay Stoeckl, designed for children to get to know St. Francis.

Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. listed online its “Books for a Papal Enclave” in light of Pope Benedict’s resignation. With the rise of the new pope, the publisher added two additional Eerdmans titles to the list: Francis of Assisi: Performing the Gospel of Life by Lawrence S. Cunningham and An Outline of New Testament Spirituality by Cardinal Prosper Grech, who gave the meditation before the official opening of the conclave.

Ian Morgan Cron, author of Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim’s Tale (Zondervan), is an Episcopal priest and expert on St. Francis of Assisi. By choosing to be named after St. Francis, the new pope “has sent a loud, clear message to the global community: The Catholic Church has lost its credibility and he intends to restore it,” Cron said.

Chris Weickert, director of the Catholic Retailers Association, said he is “planning to order more materials to help our customers understand the life and works of St. Francis. We had a customer looking for a statue within an hour of his appearance on the balcony.”

Pope Benedict XVI resigned in February after eight years leading the Roman Catholic Church. He was the first pope to resign since Pope Gregory XII did so in 1415.

United Methodist publisher’s Abingdon Women plans to focus on ‘grace-based products,’ hold live events in key markets

Abingdon Press, publishing imprint for The United Methodist Publishing House, has announced Abingdon Women, a new division that is home to grace-based Bible studies created by and for women.

Abingdon Women has released video-based studies from Bible teacher and music artist Babbie Mason and ordained pastor Jessica LaGrone, and will launch Kimberly Dunnam Reisman’s first study in the fall. The studies include teaching sessions (six to eight per study), participant guides and leader’s guides. 

The division also houses Faith & Fiction, a product line combining Christian fiction with in-depth, practical Bible study. The first two offerings—from authors Melody Carlson and Barbara Cameron—use storytelling as an entry point into Bible study. Faith & Fiction studies are self-contained, but are complemented by an existing novel.

Live events produced by Abingdon Women are bringing Bible teachers to key markets. Hundreds attended the Houston and Plano, Texas, events in 2012, and this spring and fall, events are slated for cities in Georgia, Texas, Indiana and Tennessee.

“Abingdon Women combines fresh voices with deep wisdom in a product line that is always grace-based,” said Susan Salley, associate publisher at Abingdon Press. “Our resources are designed for women who are seeking in-depth Bible study alongside real-life application.”

The division’s new website—www.AbingdonWomen.com—was launched in late January to introduce the product line to consumers and offer details on events. The site also showcases Abingdon Women Bible study teachers, original articles and authors’ background information.

Jason Ingram has been named Christian Songwriter of the Year during SESAC’s annual Christian Music Awards—an honor he has received now six times in the past 10 years. The Christian Publisher of the Year award went to Sony ATV Timber Publishing.

During the performing rights organization’s ceremonies, held March 5 in Nashville, Ingram was recognized for writing “All For You,” which was recorded by Mikeschair.

Ingram also wrote “Forever Reign,” (One Sonic Society); “Good to be Alive” (Jason Gray); “Our God’s Alive” (Andy Cherry); “White Flag” (Passion with Chris Tomlin); and “You Are I Am” (MercyMe).

Songwriter Seth Mosley was honored with 12 performance awards for songs such as “All Things Possible” by Mikeschair, “Fighter” by Manafest and “Outta My Mind” by Anthem Light, among others.

Other SESAC award winners were Cary Barlowe, Timothy Skipper, Juan Otero and Jamie Grace. 

Based in Nashville, SESAC—originally the Society of European Stage Authors & Composers—is a service organization created to assist both music creators and users through royalty collection and music licensing.

See a complete list of winners at the organization’s site, www.sesac.com.

Magazine’s annual competition honors the best in evangelism products

Moody Publishers and Jossey-Bass tied for the lead in Outreach Magazine’s 10th Annual Outreach Resource of the Year Awards—honoring the best evangelism books and curriculum. 

Moody won in three categories, Compassion and Justice (tie): The Global Orphan Crisis: Be the Solution—Change Your World by Diane Lynn Elliot; Biography: In the Land of Blue Burqas by Kate McCord; and Children (tie): Just a Minute: In the Heart of a Child, One Moment … Can Last Forever by Wess Stafford with Dean Merrill.

Jossey-Bass also won in three categories. It won with Church Transfusion by Neil Cole and Phil Helfer in the Leadership category. The publisher also won in the Missional Church category for The Permanent Revolution: Apostolic Imagination and Practice for the 21st Century Church by Alan Hirsch and Tim Catchim and in Cross-Cultural for The Post-Black & Post-White Church: Becoming the Beloved Community in a Multi-ethnic World by Efrem Smith.

The Action Bible Devotional (David C Cook) and Mega Sports Camp: Beyond the Gold (Gospel Publishing) tied for the win in the Children category.

Several publishers won two categories. InterVarsity Press won in the Evangelism category for Telling the Gospel Through Story: Evangelism That Keeps Hearers Wanting More by Christine Dillon and in Global Outreach for The Future of the Global Church: History, Trends and Possibilities by Patrick Johnstone. 

Zondervan won in the Leadership category for Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City by Timothy Keller (Zondervan) and in the Small Group Curricula section for Undaunted: Daring to Do What God Calls You to Do by Christine Caine.

Sister company Thomas Nelson won two categories. The publisher won in the Apologetics category for A Shot of Faith to the Head: Be a Confident Believer in an Age of Cranky Atheists by Mitch Stokes. It also won with Empty Promises: The Truth About You, Your Desires, and the Lies You’re Believing by Pete Wilson in the Pass-Along Resources category.

Baker Books/Baker Publishing Group won in Missional Living for The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon and in Youth for The Jesus Survey: What Christian Teens Really Believe and Why by Mike Nappa.

Publishers and organizations submitted nearly 160 entries, which the editorial staff pared to 111 resources and placed into 16 categories.

First title by Mark Driscoll reflects name change and will release this fall

Tyndale House Publishers and Mars Hill Church have forged a partnership to create a new imprint. Resurgence Publishing will include works by multiple authors, including New York Times best-selling author Mark Driscoll, founder of Resurgence Literature (Re:Lit) and Mars Hill, the church that operates the brand. 

Since Re:Lit launched in 2008, the brand has released nearly 30 titles, selling more than 750,000 copies. Backlist titles will remain with the original publishers.

“Tyndale provides a unique combination of theological integrity, practical knowledge and industry experience,” said Driscoll, whose books include Real Marriage (Thomas Nelson) and Vintage Church (Crossway). “We’re very excited to see what God does with this new partnership. I pray that our work together results in many useful tools that help Christians everywhere grow in relationship with Jesus, live for Him and lead others to Him.”

The imprint’s first title, Resurgence, written by Driscoll, will be released in the fall, coinciding with the second annual Resurgence Conference, R13, to be held Nov. 5-6. In the book, Driscoll explains how the death of cultural Christianity in the U.S. represents a great opportunity for Jesus-centered Christianity to resurge. 

“Resurgence and Mars Hill are known for engaging culture with biblical truth—no easy task these days,” said Ron Beers, senior vice president of Tyndale. “They do this with excellence and in highly creative ways without compromising the biblical message. This is also Tyndale’s sweet spot, and together I hope and pray that we will be used by the Holy Spirit to help spark a resurgence of genuine faith in our country and in other countries around the world.”

Resurgence Publishing plans to release five to seven titles per year from various authors. Materials will include books, study guides and curriculum.

Respected physician worked with author Francis Schaeffer on ‘extremely relevant’ pro-life book, video series

Former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, who worked with noted author Francis Schaeffer on a pro-life book and video series, died Feb. 25 at his home in Hanover, N.H. Koop, who had been ill for several months and suffered kidney failure, was 96.

Known for his trademark bow ties, suspenders and gray beard, Koop served as surgeon general for eight years from 1981, taking sometimes controversial stands on abortion, AIDS, fatty foods, drugs and cigarettes—calling for warning labels on tobacco packaging.

A devout Presbyterian, Koop also co-wrote Whatever Happened to the Human Race? (Crossway, 1983) with Schaeffer. 

“I have a huge respect for Dr. Koop, and it was a privilege to be his publisher for Whatever Happened to the Human Race?,” said Lane Dennis, Crossway president and CEO. “He was a man of great godly integrity—someone who understood the implications of biblical truth and was not afraid to live his life according to these implications—which is a rare quality today, or at any time.”

The book, which analyzed the impact of abortion, infanticide and euthanasia, was turned into a DVD series with the same title and released by Vision Video. 

“Whatever Happened to the Human Race? is a title that continues to be a perennial best-seller for us as it contains a timeless message—the value of human life,” Vision Video President and General Manager William Curtis said. “It’s an extremely relevant message that still needs to be heard today.”

In September 1995, President Bill Clinton awarded Koop the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Koop is survived by his wife, Cora, three children and eight grandchildren. His first wife of 69 years, Elizabeth, died in 2007. In 1968, Koop’s son, David, was killed in a rock climbing accident.

Ralph P. Martin, Bible scholar and author of numerous studies and commentaries on the New Testament, died Feb. 25 in Southport, England. He was 88.

Martin was professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary and associate professor in biblical studies at the University of Sheffield. He also taught at the Graduate School of Theology of Azusa Pacific University.

Martin’s Carmen Christi dissertation established him as an authority on Phil. 2:5-11. In 1997, it was reissued by InterVarsity Press (IVP) as A Hymn of Christ. He also served as co-editor of IVP’s Dictionary of Paul and His Letters and Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments.

“Martin’s graciousness and moderation in dealing with sensitive issues of New Testament criticism is a model that calls for reflection and emulation in our increasingly polarized environment,” said IVP Senior Editor Dan Reid.

Among other titles, Martin wrote Philippians in the “Tyndale New Testament Commentaries” series (Tyndale House Publishers); and Mark: Evangelist and Theologian (Zondervan) and Worship in the Early Church (Wm. B. Eerdmans). He also served as editor of several titles in the “Word Biblical Commentary” set (Thomas Nelson).

Grateful for Martin’s “rich legacy,” Zondervan Editor in Chief Stan Gundry said he would be remembered “as a gentleman, a scholar and a true Christian brother.”