Clericalism confronts what many consider the most urgent and unresolved issue facing the Catholic Church today: the systemic failure to enact lasting reform in the wake of the sexual abuse crisis. Moving beyond surface-level explanations, this timely and courageous book draws on insights from a wide range of secular disciplines—including organizational behavior, sociology, economics, and psychology—to diagnose the deep structural and cultural forces that have allowed clerical abuse and cover-ups to persist.

At the heart of the analysis is clericalism itself: a system of rules, incentives, and unchecked authority that distorts accountability and impedes meaningful change. By tracing how these mechanisms function within Church life, the author offers not only a sharp critique but also a constructive path forward—one that prioritizes transparency, shared responsibility, and the dignity of all the faithful.

Both urgent and hopeful, Clericalism is essential reading for those committed to the renewal of the Church, including lay leaders, clergy, theologians, and anyone seeking to understand—and help heal—the institutional wounds of Catholicism today.

Endorsements

"Throughout his career, Colt Anderson has studied prominent theologians and prelates during classic eras of the Catholic Church, their theologies, and their influence on canon law and pastoral life. Building on his work, Colt joins with J. D. Long Garcia in a multifaceted investigation that brings into focus the institutional dimensions of the Catholic Church that have contributed to clerical sexual abuse. This book provides an invaluable resource for bishops, seminary teachers, students preparing for ordination, and for all teachers and students who are examining ecclesial patterns of behavior, especially institutional patterns that harm the interpersonal and synodal life of the church."
—Bradford E. Hinze, Fordham University

"Obviously written by and for people who love the Church and seek its health, vigor, and integrity, this important volume traces the corrosive and distortive impact of power differentials, systems of patronage, defensive postures of secrecy and self-importance, and overall lack of transparency in far too many elements of ecclesial life. It is an eye-opening and challenging read but deals with themes we must scrutinize and appraise unflinchingly if we are to live out the Gospel in the twenty-first century with any authenticity."
—Michael M. Canaris, PhD, Loyola University Chicago

C. Colt Anderson is a professor of the history of Christian spirituality, ecclesiology, and leadership at the Graduate School of Education at Fordham University. His research focuses on the intersection between three areas of concern: the communication of the Gospel, how to reform the church, and the importance of an eschatological perspective.John David Long García is a senior editor at America Media.

ISBN: 978-08091-5780-8

Paperback $34.95