NONFICTION

Why the Catholic Church Must Change: A Necessary Conversation

by Margaret Nutting Ralph
Rowman & Littlefield. Apr. 2013. 200p. notes. bibliog. ISBN 9781442220782. $34; ebk. ISBN 9781442220799. REL
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With orderly precision, Ralph (pastoral studies, Lexington Theological Seminary, KY; And God Said What??) presents a substantial discussion guide on major issues of debate within the Roman Catholic Church today: contraception, women's ordination, homosexuality, abortion, marriage/annulments, social justice, and ecumenism. Long a diocesan leader in religious studies, she here quotes both scripture and official Church documents to show changes over time in magisterial teaching, given the emergence of new scientific knowledge and cultural shifts. She explains that inconsistency between word and action among some Church authorities has produced a credibility gap for the faithful today that continues to get a great deal of attention, and diminishes the greater good produced by the Church and its members.
VERDICT Fair, well documented, and contextually based, the book is a convincing, succinct review of moral issues broadly impacting Catholic laity and is offered as a way toward reasoned dialog and respectful understanding within and without the Church. Ralph argues for needed changes while affirming the Church's core teachings. Recommended for those involved in today's Catholic Church and informed lay readers.
Reviewed by Anna Donnelly, St. John's. Univ., Jamaica, NY , Apr 15, 2013
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