An Invitation to Unity, Healing, and Hope

AnneMarie Miller shares the hope and renewal found within Bishop Erik Varden’s book of essays, Towards Dawn.

Towards Dawn: Essays in Hopefulness

By Bishop Erik Varden 

Published by Word On Fire

I don’t know which fact reveals more about my opinion of Bishop Erik Varden’s book, Towards Dawn: Essays in Hopefulness: that my copy is crammed full of bookmarks, or that shortly after I finished the book, I kept opening it up again to share Bishop Varden’s wisdom with other people.

Towards Dawn is a collection of ten essays that tackle several current, hot-button issues like synodality and DEI. However, instead of digressing into tired arguments and polarizing viewpoints, Bishop Varden offers a different approach. Within each essay, he offers the context of a specific issue and then plunges into the heart of the topic. For example, in his essay on synodality, Bishop Varden explores the definition of synodality and its presence in both the Old and New Testaments. He then ties this synodality together with our call to holiness. In this way, Bishop Varden invites the reader to take a deep breath, step away from heated debates, and rest in the wisdom of the Church.

From Polarization to Unity

Bishop Varden’s approach is refreshing, and I was continually surprised by the way in which he offered new insights. I was stunned as I saw how he skillfully reveals common ground in which people can work together. I noticed that Bishop Varden does not ignore differences of opinion or discount concerns that people have; rather, he takes people by the hand to lead them closer to God — and there, with their eyes focused on God, they can focus on the issue at hand.

Not only does Bishop Varden’s approach invite readers into deeper unity with God and each other, but it also creates a timeless book. Although this book was initially published during the Year of Hope and discusses issues that were prevalent at that time, the wisdom and approach within these pages will continue to inspire and empower people for many years to come.

An Invitation to Hope

As he explores various issues and invites people to grow in unity, Bishop Varden offers an invitation to hope. However, the hope he offers is not a blissful ignorance that looks for an easy path. Within these essays, Bishop Varden honestly and openly addresses problems and issues that plague the Church and the world. For instance, when discussing abuse scandals, he writes:

To be a Catholic today is, I’d say, to live within a huge, unclean, ulcerating wound that cries out for healing. (p. 82)

Bishop Varden reminds us that we all have work to do in the renewal of the Church. The path forward is not easy, but we can grow in unity, cling to God, and travel the challenging path of healing and hope together.

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Copyright 2026 AnneMarie Miller
Images: Canva