Toward a More Perfect Communion

Drawing from Catholic theological, social, and pastoral traditions, Ricky Manalo offers a timely vision for healing the intertwined crises of polarization in the U.S. Church and American civic life. Rather than treating ecclesial and political division as separate problems, Toward a More Perfect Communion approaches them as one shared spiritual and cultural wound.

With attention to Catholic social teaching, sacramental imagination, and civic dialogue, Manalo invites pastoral leaders, educators, ministers, and bridge builders to rediscover communion as both a gift and a responsibility. This book offers not only an analysis of polarization, but a hopeful path toward deeper listening, renewed belonging, and a more just and compassionate common life.

"More urgent than ever, this new book, by an expert in the field, not only diagnoses the causes of the widespread and painful polarization in the Church and society, but more importantly, provides a possible cure."
—James Martin, SJ, author of Work in Progress

"Both our country and our Church suffer deeply from the wounds of polarization. Ricky Manalo's Toward a More Perfect Communion outlines the events that gave rise to this increasing polarization in the U.S. Church and the contours that shape the Church today. Manalo's work takes brave steps beyond analysis, plumbing the Church's theological wisdom and offering creative and courageous responses toward healing. This book is a must-read for leaders in parishes, dioceses and lay apostolates as we look beyond partisan frames to build greater communion in our Church and world, guided by the trust that Christ, indeed, makes all things new."
—Maureen K. Day, sociologist; author of Cultural Catholics: Who They Are, How to Respond