The important, controversial and colorful story of America's largest and most influential religion.

The American Catholic Church seeks to occupy an intimate place in the lives of both its members and non-members. The role of women, abortion, sexuality, education and politics all have been the subject of the Church's influence. Few other religions generate the type of emotional appeal, both positive and negative, associated with the Church. Yet no one until now has told the story of how the Church grew from an insignificant sect in the first half of the nineteenth century, to its dominant position in the 1950s, to its relative decline today. Morris builds his narrative through a cast of immensely colorful characters. Joe McCarthy, the Kennedy clan, and Cardinals Spellman and O'Connor are just a few of the most recent examples.

This is a book which will capture the attention of Catholics and anyone interested in how one of America's most important institutions came to occupy its place in our national life.