The Faithful Departed: The Collapse of Boston's Catholic Culture

The Faithful Departed explains how the Catholic Church became the dominant cultural power in Boston, then lost its public influence in the space of a generation.
This story is of interest not only to Catholics and to those acquainted with Boston's rich and colorful political tradition, but to anyone concerned about the interplay between religious faith and public policy. The demise of Catholic influence in Massachusetts is an especially vivid example of a secularizing trend that is visible throughout the United States.
What happened in Boston could happen - is already happening - in other communities. And what happened to the Catholic Church could happen to other religious groups. The Faithful Departed is a cautionary tale.

Philip F. Lawler is editor of Catholic World News.