This study is a contribution from empirical theology towards interpreting the health and potential of the Christian priesthood today. Empirical theology employs the techniques of the social sciences to address key issues raised by the agenda of practical theology. The issues raised by this new study concern the nature and health of the priesthood, a topic of most urgent concern at a time of clerical scandal and abuse. Empirical theology has the capability of stripping bare the illusions and facade that the Church may wish to see and revealing the human reality within. This is not an alien empirical study peering in at the Church from without. Empirical theology holds up a mirror to the Church from within. The book is based on a questionnaire sent out to all parish clergy. One Bishop wrote to his clergy instructing them not to reply to the survey. The authors anticipate a similar level of enthusiasm, encouragement and support for the findings from their enquiry! The conclusions of this book are revealing but fundamentally positive for anyone concerned with the future of the Christian Church at the start of a new millennium.

Author Biography

Stephen H. Louden is a Roman Catholic priest based in Cambridge. He is a Monsignor and former chaplain to the armed forces. Leslie J. Francis is Professor of Pastoral Theology at the University of Wales (Bangor).