Communicating Catholicism: Rhetoric, Ecclesial Leadership, and the Future of the American Roman Catholic Diocese (The Fairleigh Dickinson University Press Series in Communication Studies) [Hardcover] Maier, Craig T.

Maier, Craig T.

ISBN 10: 1611479614 / ISBN 13: 9781611479614

Published by Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 2016

About this Item

Very Good condition. Clean pages, intact binding.

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Communicating Catholicism: Rhetoric, Ecclesial Leadership, and the Future of the American Roman Catholic Diocese (The Fairleigh Dickinson University Press Series in Communication Studies) [Hardcover] Maier, Craig T.
• Publisher: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press
• Publication Date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1611479614
• ISBN 13: 9781611479614
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

Fr. Thomas Reese has observed that American Catholic dioceses are simultaneously mysterious and essential to the institutional health and vitality of American Catholicism. In recent years, as American Catholicism increasingly finds itself embroiled in scandal and conflict, this mysteriousness has given way to feelings of suspicion, frustration, and even contempt. How can American dioceses navigate this complex and often hostile social, cultural, and political environment?

Several decades ago, J. Michael Sproule invited rhetorical and communication scholars to focus on institutions to increase our understanding of the profound role complex organizations play in contemporary life, assess the purpose and significance of communication in pursuit of their missions, and “give a human face to the otherwise institutional voice of corporate suasion.” Following Sproule, this book defines a new field called diocesan institutional rhetoric that strives to transform dioceses from structures characterized by closure and adversity into sites of hope-full, response-able, Spirit-led opportunity.

Today, rhetorical and communication issues emerge everywhere in American Catholicism. Drawing together relevant literature in Catholic theology, philosophy of communication, and corporate communication scholarship―as well as over twelve years’ experience working as a communication professional in a diocesan chancery―this book helps diocesan leaders, scholars, and observers to think differently and more fruitfully about the future of American Catholic ecclesial leadership.

About the Author

Craig T. Maier is assistant professor in the Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies at Duquesne University.