The Coming Catholic Church

From veteran reporter David Gibson comes the hopeful yet realistic book that Catholics are hungry for. It is a positive, optimistic, yet clear-eyed assessment of where the Church needs to go from here, presenting both the challenges and opportunities it faces. The Coming Catholic Church chronicles the changes already taking place in Catholicism, such as the expanding pastoral role of women and deacons, the increasing power of the laity, and the growing ranks of married priests (former Episcopal priests and Eastern Rite priests). These changes will only accelerate as the Church transforms itself in order to survive and be faithful to its authentic mission of following Jesus. Gibson tracks the growing influence of activist groups like Catholics for the Faith and Call to Action, women’s groups, wealthy and often influential Catholics, leading idealistic priests and scholars championing reform. He also expresses the heartfelt feelings and aspirations of “people in the pew” as they struggle to rescue and assert their faith. The lid has been blown off the dysfunctional clerical culture of the Church, and a new Reformation has already begun. David Gibson is a religion reporter for newspapers, magazines, and CNN, specializing in Catholic subjects. A committed lay Catholic, Gibson has has worked for Vatican Radio and is widely regarded among his peers as having the best sources among Vatican insiders, cardinals, bishops, and lay Catholics. “Gibson’s well-informed perspective and insight make this a must book for everyone who cares about the Catholic Church in America.” - Terry Golway, author of The Irish in America and Full of Grace: An Oral Biography of John Cardinal O’Connor