
This article appeared in the Church Life Journal on March 24, 2023
Jesuit Father Edward Dowling (1898-1960), although not an alcoholic himself, is beloved among members of Twelve-Step programs for his ministry to members of Alcoholics Anonymous and others seeking to overcome unwanted habits. He rescued A.A. co-founder Bill Wilson from debilitating depression and gave him the spiritual guidance he needed to bring the fellowship to international prominence. Dowling also championed civil rights and social justice, and was a leading advocate for the electoral system known as proportional representation.