Ministry and the Law: What You Need to Know [Paperback]

Mary Angela Shaughnessy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998

Useful for both church professionals and volunteers, this is a practical guide to help religious professionals recognize and deal with legal issues that they may encounter in their ministry.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Informative and easy to comprehend, even for those not involved in the legal profession. -- National Catholic Reporter

Sensitive and helpful. -- New Theology Review

Shaughnessy's book is an enjoyable read that will expand one's understanding of jurisprudence in general. -- Christian Century

The book is a valuable addition to the church administrators' bookshelves. -- Catholic Library World

This book is a must for all who govern the various jurisdictions of church properties. --Ministry and Liturgy

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809137895
• ISBN-13: 978-0809137893
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #450,307 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Clergy > General
  • #15 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Professional & Technical > Law
  • #34 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Clergy > Church Administration

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book fills a great need for Catholic ministers., October 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Ministry and the Law: What You Need to Know (Paperback)

Sister Mary Angela Shaughnessy's newest book is a great contribution to pastoral ministry. The format is very "user-friendly", beginning with a brief self-test to explore the reader's level of current awareness of legal issues involved in ministry. The subsequent chapters deal with the sources of law impacting ministry, types of lawsuits, personnel issues, and a final chapter devoted to special topics of concern. A brief glossary of terms is also provided.

The text is well laid out and easy to read. An index would have been useful, but since the book is quite brief, the lack of an index is not a major problem. Probably the best aspect of the book, in my opinion, is its explanation of the relationship between the legal aspects of ministry and the social justice teaching of the Church. For example, while some ministers may resent the administrative burden caused by current employment practices, the author points out that it is through these very practices that the social teaching of the church is concretized in the local church.

This book is useful for everyone involved in ministry, from pastors to volunteer teachers, from school principals to parish council presidents.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required Reading, August 11, 2008

By 

Gregory H. Welch (Union, NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ministry and the Law: What You Need to Know (Paperback)

This book is a primary resource and necessary reading for anyone involved in ministry (particularly in the Roman Catholic church)! Sr. Mary Angela lays out what you need to know and why you need to know it in an easy-to-read format. Her suggestions will make your ministry more professional and safer for both you and those with and for whom you minister.