Uncover a historical critique of papal authority and church politics in Ireland and Britain
This nonfiction work examines how early churches governed themselves, who held power, and how claims of ultimate authority were debated and resisted.
The author surveys the roles of popes, archbishops, and local bishops through key moments in Irish and English church history. It traces how bishops were chosen, how independence from Rome was asserted, and how rival Currents of authority shaped the medieval church across the British Isles.
- Learn how early clerical elections were conducted and how authority shifted over time.
- Explore the interaction between local clergy, chieftains, and foreign papal influence.
- See how historical sources and letters support arguments about church governance.
- Gain context for the enduring debates over church supremacy and reform.
Ideal for readers of religious history, church politics, and studies of the British Isles in the medieval and early modern periods.