Edward K. Kaplan’s book on Abraham Heschel will help readers feel a portion of the anguish Heschel endured in his lifetime. But even in his anguish, Heschel found not just spiritual consolation, but profound hope from his deep faith.

The first synodal assembly on the future the Catholic Church in Germany drew both praise and some criticism, with many of the 230 participants lauding what they called a special atmosphere in the debates on key reforms.

“Consumerism is a virus that attacks the faith at its roots, because it makes you believe that life depends only on what you have, and so you forget God," the pope said.

“We are emphasizing through the synodal way the community and bonds of all believers—not the difference between clergy and laity. All of us are baptized and confirmed. All of us stand in the same mission to witness the Gospel,” Father Langendörfer said.

What makes 'Mass Exodus' a must-read is careful attention to the qualitative analysis related to disaffiliation from the church.

John W. O’Malley's ‘When Bishops Meet’ challenges readers to understand the lasting importance of three monumental councils of the church.