French Catholicism Church, State and Society in a Changing Era [Paperback]

The book presents authoritative and comprehensive analysis of the role of the Catholic church in France over 50 years of social, political and theological change. The impact of social secularization, of the changing role of women, attitudes to sexuality, of dramatic political change - from Algeria, the 1960s, the Mitterand era and the rise of Le Pen - and of battles over education are presented in historical context. The church's responses to challenges to its authority, its teachings and structural resources are analysed. The conclusion asks 'Wither the Catholic Church?' in modern France.List of Tables Foreword Acknowledgements Church, Gender and Sexuality Education - The Battle for Socialization The Church and Political Action A Changing Role in a Changing World Conclusions: Wither the Catholic Church? Endnotes Appendices Bibliography IndexSANDY TIPPETT-SPIRTOU is Lecturer in Civilization at the University of Caen, France.