One priest’s defiance sparked a legacy of hope.

We’re excited to announce the publication of The PRIEST and the FÜHRER: The Ministry and Martyrdom of a Peacemaker, written by Cormac O’Duffy and Leonard Swidler.

This book follows the legacy of Max Josef Metzger, a Catholic priest whose unwavering courage and vision in the face of the Third Reich made a significant mark on history. Metzger, a staunch pacifist who met his end at the hands of the Nazis, championed peace, dialogue, and unity in an era of turmoil. His key contributions to the Una Sancta Brotherhood shifted Germany’s political dynamics and fueled the Second Vatican Council’s mission of Christian Unity.

But Metzger was not just a theologian. He was a forward thinker, advocating for vegetarianism in an era when its environmental and moral benefits were barely understood. His establishment of vegetarian restaurants and promotion of Esperanto, a universal language, underscored his dream of global harmony.

Yet, it’s the personal tales of valor, like secretly leading Jews away from the Gestapo’s grasp, that truly define his commitment to justice and humanity. Metzger’s story is one of immense challenges, but through them, he emerges as a genuine hero. His life was a testament to his dedication to world peace and Christian unity, often at the cost of personal sacrifice.

In 1919, Metzger founded the German Catholics’ Peace Association, marking a crucial step in his dedicated efforts to promote peace. Actively engaging with the global pacifist movement, he became a prominent figure in Germany’s pacifist community. His steadfast advocacy for the universal concept of peace further solidified his role as a leading voice in the quest for a harmonious world.

However, Metzger’s pursuit of peace came with challenges. The Gestapo, disapproving of his actions, arrested him multiple times. Yet, undeterred by these obstacles, in 1943, he wrote a memorandum outlining a plan to reorganize the German state and integrate it into a future global peace system. Unfortunately, his attempt to deliver this vital document to the Swedish Archbishop of Uppsala, Erling Eidem, led to his betrayal by a Gestapo agent, resulting in his arrest on June 29, 1943.

Tragically, Max Josef Metzger was sentenced to death by the People’s Court and met his untimely end on April 17, 1944, in Brandenburg-Görden. His sacrifice and unwavering dedication to the cause of peace continue to inspire generations, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of fostering dialogue and understanding to resolve conflicts.

The Priest and the Führer offers readers an intimate look at a man whose bravery, innovation, and indomitable spirit were unmatched. Delve into the tale of a leader whose legacy truly deserves the world’s attention.

Authors Leonard Swidler and Cormac O’Duffy studied Fr. Metzger’s life and work independently for decades before collaborating on this book. Professor Swidler became interested in Metzger through his research on the Una Sancta Movement, which culminated in a book titled The Ecumenical Vanguard (1966). O’Duffy discovered Metzger through his interest in ecumenism and was further inspired to pursue more about him after reading Swidler’s book. As a composer, O’Duffy highlights Metzger’s artistic works and breathes new life into his poetry and texts by setting them to music—including the “prison poems” Metzger wrote in the weeks before his martyrdom.

Grab a copy of this incredible story today and enjoy 15% off the paperback edition when purchased from iPub (use code FatherMetzger at checkout): BUY NOW