Faith that dares to speak / Donald Cozzens.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Cozzens, Donald B.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Catholic Church--Government.

Catholic Church.

Political science.

Church renewal--Catholic Church.

Church renewal.

Physical Description:

138 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Collegeville, Minn. : Liturgical Press, [2004]

Summary:

At the dawn of the twenty-first century, the Catholic Church is arguably the last feudal system in the West. Once the feudal structure of the church is recognized, the bishops' response to the clergy abuse crisis comes into focus. Bishops and other church authorities reacted to the scandal the only way their feudal culture allowed-with secrecy, denial, and a no-holds-barred effort to protect the reputation, authority, and resources of the institution. While tragic-and in many cases reprehensible-their response was consistent with the way feudal systems function.

In Faith That Dares to Speak, Donald Cozzens addresses the laity's role in challenging a feudal church to embrace accountability and transparency, and to bring light where there is now darkness. Awakened to their dignity and responsibility as full, equal, and adult members of the church, lay Catholics in North America are finding their voice and daring to speak to church authorities long accustomed to deferential obedience and compliance. Church life, Cozzens believes, will never be quite the same.

Contents:

The courage to speak

The humility to listen

Love that dares to question

Faith that dares to speak

The liberation of the laity

The voice of the faithful

Contemplative conversation

A rising chorus.

Notes:

Includes index.

ISBN:

0814630189

OCLC:

55534790