About the Author

Richard R. Gaillardetz holds the Joseph Chair of Catholic Systematic Theology at Boston College. He has published numerous articles and has authored or edited ten books, including Keys to the Council: Unlocking the Teaching of Vatican II (co-authored with Catherine Clifford, Liturgical Press, 2012) and Ecclesiology for a Global Church: A People Called and Sent (Orbis, 2008). Dr. Gaillardetz has been a delegate on the US Catholic-Methodist Ecumenical Dialogue and served as president of the Catholic Theological Society of America between 2013 and 2014. Edward P. Hahnenberg holds the Jack and Mary Jane Breen Chair in Catholic Systematic Theology at John Carroll University. He is the author of four books-including Awakening Vocation: A Theology of Christian Call (Liturgical Press, 2010) and Theology for Ministry: An Introduction for Lay Ministers (Liturgical Press, 2014)-and numerous articles in academic and pastoral journals. Dr. Hahnenberg is a past consultant to the US Bishops Subcommittee on Lay Ministry and current delegate to the US Lutheran-Catholic Ecumenical Dialogue.

Reviews

What an excellent set of writings! By turns insightful, inspirational, and critical, but always interesting, the book's method of looking back and looking ahead offers deep understanding of the present church in its messy, graced reality. So much is in bud. Read it and experience the maturing of the theological voice in North America. Elizabeth A. Johnson, Distinguished Professor, Fordham University Nine first-rate theologians here offer their analysis and insights concerning key areas in Catholic ecclesiology, including authority, ministry, culture, gender, ethnicity, mission, liturgy, and ecumenism. The reader gains access to the most current state of theological discussion as the authors not only frankly acknowledge the seriousness of present challenges but also give solid advice concerning the future of the church. Dennis M. Doyle, Professor of Religious Studies, University of Dayton This book cracks open the doors of the church for a wide audience-students, parishioners, and seekers alike-with essays by the most respected US theologians, younger scholars and seasoned veterans, that explore the most challenging and most promising topics in the theology of the church today. Bradford E. Hinze, Fordham University If Pope John XXIII wanted to open a window into the church, Pope Francis wants to open its doors. This challenging book, the fruit of an extraordinary gathering of ecclesiologists brought together by Boston College, explores what the church of Pope Francis might mean for questions of evangelization, authority, ministry, gender, and ecumenism. Sensitive to cultural changes and demographic shifts, its starting point must always be mission with a special concern for those on the periphery. Thomas P. Rausch, SJ, T. Marie Chilton Professor of Catholic Theology, Loyola Marymount University An engaging collection that demonstrates the vibrancy, range, and continued promise of US ecclesiology today. As well as being a most valuable addition to any syllabus engaging the church of our times, it serves as a fitting tribute to Thomas O'Meara, OP, a true theological great whose own creative theological work and wider ecclesial service alike have embodied a vision of A Church with Open Doors across many fruitful years. Gerard Mannion, Amaturo Chair in Catholic Studies, Georgetown University