A stirring compendium by Fergus Butler-Gallie of the lives of clergy who stood up to Hitler At a time when hateful, divisive and xenophobic politics are being pursued in parts of Europe in the name of defending “Christian culture”, this is a timely and uplifting book. Before the Rev Fergus Butler-Gallie embarks on a whistlestop tour of saints and martyrs who fought the good fight against Hitler and fascism, he recalls the words of St Paul: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female: all are one in Christ.” Take note, Viktor Orbán, Jarosław Kaczyński and Matteo Salvini. What follows is an hugely enjoyable if slightly eccentric account of clerical heroism in the face of evil. One would be tempted to call it a romp, were it not for the depth of moral seriousness that motivated the priests and nuns whose stories are recounted. Butler-Gallie starts off with Canon Félix Kir in what is billed as a tale of “white wine and espionage”. Continue reading...
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