At the heart of Catholicism's resistance to change in the U.S. is the equation of hierarchical authority with traditional gender roles, especially the subordination of women. This book traces the variably confrontational and incremental strategies of advocacy groups as they struggle to reconcile an age-old culture with the onslaughts of modernity. An informative and intellectually challenging monograph that engages the topic of reform in the American Catholic Church.... Balanced in his approach, yet presenting a clear message for the necessity of change for the church to remain viable in American society today, Professor McDonough has made an insightful addition to the literature exploring American Catholic life....A must read for those concerned about the state of American Catholicism today.