cover image A People of Hope: Archbishop Timothy Dolan in Conversation with John L. Allen Jr.

A People of Hope: Archbishop Timothy Dolan in Conversation with John L. Allen Jr.

John L. Allen Jr. Crown/Image, $25 (240p) ISBN 978-0-307-71849-5

Allen (The Future Church), widely considered the most insightful English-language journalist covering the Catholic Church, has produced an engaging introduction to the man he views as America’s most influential prelate: New York’s Archbishop Dolan. It’s not a biography but a series of interviews, in which Dolan’s gregarious personality shines as he ponders issues from dissent to his own prayer life. Allen presents Dolan as the prime exemplar of the “affirmative orthodoxy” of Pope Benedict XVI, which emphasizes what the church embraces over what it forbids. Those on both sides may be disappointed by Dolan’s discussion of women’s ordination, in which he defends the ban but is silent on the theology behind it. But Dolan addresses sexuality issues more thoroughly and pastorally. He offers limited support for ordaining married men under extraordinary circumstances and gives insight into discussions with the Vatican on prochoice Catholic politicians. He describes himself as someone more concerned about tending souls than maintaining institutional structures. His love for the church, despite its flaws and leaders’ failings, pervades the book. The text assumes familiarity with Catholic terms and teachings and won’t satisfy scholars eager for nuanced analysis. But it will be a starting point for future biographers. (Nov.)