Foreign-born priests have always played a significant role in America. Only from 1940 to 1960 did the church produce enough native-born priests to serve its parishes. In the past, those priests usually came from Europe, most notably Ireland. In the future, most of the world will be served by priests from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, particularly India and Nigeria. Sixteen percent of the priests serving in the United States since 1985 are foreign-born and the number is rising. But many Americans prefer not to have them in their churches, saying the language and cultural differences are too great, and the screening isn't sufficient. International Priests in Americastudies this phenomenon from the perspective of parishioners, lay ministers, diocesan leaders, and priests. This groundbreaking book is guided by two questions: Should the Catholic Church in the United States bring in more international priests? If so, how should this be done?

The fourth edition of this widely praised text has been thoroughly revised to reflect the evolving characteristics of the current international system that have had a dramatic effect on every aspect of international relations of Latin America and the Caribbean. The original purpose of this book is unchanged: It continues to provide a topically current and analytically integrated survey of the region's role in the world. Still organized around the idea of Latin America and the Caribbean as a separate subsystem within the global international system, the discussion gives special emphasis to complex interstate and transnational structures and processes. Within this framework, Atkins analyzes the foreign policies of the Latin American states themselves and those of the United States and other countries toward Latin America and the Caribbean. He also looks closely at the nature and role of transnational actors in the region, such as the multinational corporations, the Holy See, Protestant Churches, transnational political parties, international labor, nongovernmental organizations, and others. He gives special attention to Latin American participation in international institutions at all levels.

Roman Catholicism in the United States: A Thematic History takes the reader beyond the traditional ways scholars have viewed and recounted the story of the Catholic Church in America. The collection covers unfamiliar topics such as anti-Catholicism, rural Catholicism, Latino Catholics, and issues related to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the U.S. government. The book continues with fascinating discussions on popular culture (film and literature), women religious, and the work of U.S. missionaries in other countries. The final section of the books is devoted to Catholic social teaching, tackling challenging and sometimes controversial subjects such as the relationship between African American Catholics and the Communist Party, Catholics in the civil rights movement, the abortion debate, issues of war and peace, and Vatican II and the American Catholic Church. Roman Catholicism in the United States examines the history of U.S. Catholicism from a variety of perspectives that transcend the familiar account of the immigrant, urban parish, which served as the focus for so many American Catholics during the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries.

This book is the beginning of a much-needed discussion about the experiences and beliefs of Irish priests. It provides a cultural analysis of these men, including the diverse and oftentimes contradictory sides they find themselves on regarding philosophical, theological, and pastoral issues.

Just as important, these voices provide insight for bishops, diocesan staff, and seminary educators as they strive to meet the special needs of these ministers and the people they serve."--BOOK JACKET.

Stephen M. Cherry draws upon a rich set of ethnographic and survey data, collected over a six-year period, to explore the roles that Catholicism and family play in shaping Filipino American community life. From the planning and construction of community centers, to volunteering at health fairs or protesting against abortion, this book illustrates the powerful ways these forces structure and animate not only how first-generation Filipino Americans think and feel about their community, but how they are compelled to engage it over issues deemed important to the sanctity of the family. Revealing more than intimate accounts of Filipino American lives, Cherry offers a glimpse of the often hidden but vital relationship between religion and community in the lives of new immigrants, and allows speculation on the broader impact of Filipino immigration on the nation. The Filipino American community is the second-largest immigrant community in the United States, and the Philippines is the second-largest source of Catholic immigration to this country. This ground-breaking study outlines how first-generation Filipino Americans have the potential to reshape American Catholicism and are already having an impact on American civic life through the engagement of their faith.

The Inner Life of Priests is a landmark exploration of how the categories and practices of psychology are contributing to a new health and vitality in the priesthood. Authors McGlone and Sperry (both nationally-recognized experts on the integration of psychology and spirituality in priestly life), investigate issues and answer questions that concern those invested in the healthy ministry of priests everyone from the people in the pews to those in Church leadership. They include: How has psychology helped us understand both mental and spiritual health of those applying to Catholic seminaries and then serving in priestly ministry? How has it shaped understanding of key issues like affective maturity, cultural competency and even the discipline of celibacy? How has it helped Church leaders better understanding and positively influence clerical culture in seminaries, dioceses, and religious orders? Catholic laity, priests, seminarians, vocation directors, those considering religious and priestly vocations everyone interested in how men serving in this critical ministerial role are identified, formed and supported will welcome this authoritative and positive book.