Liberation of the Laity: In Search of an Accountable Church

Excellent! Helped me understand events leading up to, during and after VII. Best of all it offers realistic hope for the future. First 4 chapt were slow but critical to development of ideas. Last 4 do a great job of "now what?" Lakeland isn't afraid to give honest criticism and praise where each is due. Of special interest is the well-developed discussion on the specifics of the term "lay ministry". Great reading for those interested (especially employed) in ministry.

Paul Lakeland has produced a work which needs to be read by every Catholic concerned with the Roman Catholic Church's current preoccupation with its internal institutional self and thereby missing its mission to the whole world. Lakeland explains historically the development of clergy/laity roles and the need to re-think them in this era when HUMAN solidarity is essential to end any and every kind of poverty of body, mind, or spirit of all humanity. He poses instead the reality of "ministers in the church" and "missionaries to the world". He posits that all who work "ad intra" are there precisely to facilitate the institution's mission "ad extra". He wants an end to anything that sees the mission to the world as second class or second place in the life of the institution.A helpful introduction suggests which chapters will likely be of most interest and help to the variety of persons for whom the book is intended. His concluding chapter which contains a model for a future organization is invaluable. The only "weakness" I find in the book is the description of the role that religious could play in this future church. If this book is read in conjunction with Diarmuid O'Murchu's insights into the potential of religious men and women at this present moment in the history of the church and of the world, the reader will have a handbook of action that is unparalleled.

Paul Lakeland has provided us with an analysis and vision of what needs to occur within our Church to release the empowering energy and spirit of so many faithful members. He does this in a very balanced way in the spirit of Vatican II and other parts of our religious tradition. He paints a vision of how we can all together bring about a recaptured view of what in means to be a member of our Church. This is a must read for anyone who is frustrated by the current leadership scandal within the Church and is looking for some insight into how can we find a way to bring about a true transformation from within.