Readings in Church Authority

The issues of Authority and Governance in the Roman Catholic Church permeate each and every aspect of the Church's identity, teaching, influence, organisation, moral values and pastoral provision. There has been a continuous and lively stream of dialogue and disagreement on authority and governance in relation to the place of the Church in our age and the new Millennium. This comprehensive Reader uniquely gathers together in one volume key writings and documents from the wealth of published literature that has emerged on the issues of authority and governance in the Roman Catholic Church. With guided introductions to each section and to each reading, and end of chapter annotated further reading lists, this Reader offers a balanced range of perspectives, themes, international writings, ecumenical dimensions, and formal church documents and Papal pronouncements on core areas of contemporary study and debate. Focusing on the modern/post-modern period in the Roman Catholic Church, but grounded in the historical contexts, Readings in Church Authority presents an accessible source book and introduction for all those exploring current debates and studying central themes in church authority.

Contents: Introduction: Gifts and challenges for the Roman Catholic Church today, Gerard Mannion; Ecclesiology - envisaging the Church, Gerard Mannion; The Magisterium - the Church and its teaching, Kenneth Wilson; Synodality and collegiality - the dynamics of authority, Jan Kerkhofs; The Papacy - supreme authority?, Richard R. Gaillardetz; The sensus fidelium and reception of teaching, Jan Kerkhofs; The role of the theologian - saints and scholars, Gerard Mannion; Doctrine and development - the dynamics of tradition and truth, Kenneth Wilson; Reform and renewal in the Church, Richard. R. Gaillardetz; Biographies; Index.