Presenters

David O'Brien

David O'Brien is Loyola Professor of Roman Catholic Studies at the College of the Holy Cross. He is a historian specializing in the history of Catholicism in the United States and has served as president of the American Catholic Historical Association.

Discernment and the Landscape of Reactions to the Crisis

As we draw to the end of our reflection, we will begin to think about the future of the Church in the United States. I will try to lay out a range of interpretations of the crisis and prescriptions for reform. Part of this discussion will be drawn from public advocacy by individuals and groups over the last few years, part from our own preceding discussion. We will pay particular attention to the now standard arguments between contending factions, the effort of some to carve out a common ground at the center of Catholic life, and, perhaps most important, the unprecedented work of the National Review Board established by the Bishops in 2002. In each case we will ask questions about shared responsibility for the integrity and vitality of our church, our own responsibility and that of bishops, priests, religious, lay people, Catholic organizations and institutions. This examination of the landscape of Catholic dialogue should set the basis for our concluding reflections on the question: what is to be done?