Gerald J. Bednarholds a doctorate in systematic theology from Fordham University (1990), a master's degree in government from Georgetown University (1971), and a law degree from the University of Notre Dame (1974). After having practiced law in Washington, DC, for five years, he entered Saint Mary Seminary in Cleveland, where he earned a master of divinity degree in 1983. Fr. Bednar taught at Saint Mary Seminary for thirty years before his retirement in 2021.
Gerald J. Bednar, Catholic priest, experienced attorney, theologian and pastor, has provided a much-needed study of Amoris Laetitia. 'Mercy is not an alternative to the law. It is a way of applying the law.' Bednar has provided a rich resource for all who seek to understand and to live Jesus' words: 'I have come to call not the righteous but sinners' (Mark 2:17), in the light of the magisterium of Pope Francis. --Francis J. Moloney, SDB Senior Professorial Fellow; Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity; Melbourne Australia