A Democratic Catholic Church: The Reconstruction of Roman Catholicism

by Eugene C. Bianchi

The Second Vatican Council proclaimed that the church is the "People of God." In this volume thirteen scholars and theologians, including Hans Kung, Elisabeth Schussler-Fiorenza, Jay Dolan, Philip Berryman, Charles Curran, as well as Rosemary Ruether and Eugene Bianchi, propose how to implement this idea. The contributors argue for a more democratic and participatory church. They maintain that the current structure of the church derives not from the mandate of Jesus Christ, but from the monarchies within which it existed in times past, and that it is long overdue for change. Further, the editors argue that "the issue of a democratic Catholic Church is not merely an academic debate. Rather it is a crucial hinge for opening the door to further reforms in the spirit of Vatican II. The quarter century since the council has been a long lesson in how needed change in the church can be derailed for lack of participational, democratic structures." What is at stake is the redemptive power and witness of the church. The time for reform is at hand, and it will only be accomplished by all the people of the church.

262 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1992