Communicating Catholicism: Rhetoric, Ecclesial Leadership, and the Future of the American Roman Catholic Diocese (The Fairleigh Dickinson University Press Series in Communication Studies)

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. American Catholicism is in transition, and American dioceses need to become more sophisticated in how they think about and approach communication if the Church is to make this transition gracefully. Bringing together Catholic theology, philosophy of communication, and corporate communication scholarship, this book creates a new sub-discipline, "diocesan institutional rhetoric," that speaks to both scholars and practitioners in the fields of communication and rhetorical studies, Catholic theology, and pastoral leadership