A review of "The Limits of the Papacy: Authority and Autonomy in the Church" by Patrick Grantfield

Abstract

This book has a provocative title, but its substance is an exploration of the delicate relationship between Roman power and local autonomy in the Church. The author situates his study against the background of the last decade which has seen decisive Roman intervention in the life of the local Church. Action has been taken against noted theologians, and against priests and religious involved in politics. Hunthausen affair showed that some bishops too were not above suspicion. have been differing reactions to this exercise of Roman authority.