The Woodstock Theological Center has sponsored a series of studies of issues
of special interest to the Catholic Church. Two studies of the Catholic Church in the United States have been done by
Thomas J. Reese, S.J., a former fellow at the center (1985-1998). His first
book, Archbishop: Inside the
Power Structure of the American Catholic Church (San Francisco: Harper
& Row, 1989) examined the role of bishops in leading and governing their
local dioceses. Next, A Flock of
Shepherds: The National Conference of Catholic Bishops (Kansas City:
Sheed & Ward, 1992) looked at how the bishops work together on the national
level in the NCCB. Father Reese also led a symposim that brought together
leading North American experts to analyze and critique the instrumentum
laboris prepared in the Vatican on the theological and canonical status of
episcopal conferences. This resulted in book edited by Father Reese, Episcopal Conferences: Historical, Canonical,
and Theological Studies (Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press,
1989). These books may be ordered from their publishers or from the Woodstock
Theological Center. For information about ordering Woodstock publications, click here. Father Reese has also written extensively in America on the American church
issues (see Reese's bibliography).
Father Reese also authored a study of the role of the laity in church
governance entitled Co-Discipleship in Action:
Bishops and Laity in Dialogue.
See also: