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Charles Curran examines developments in Catholic social thought, sexual morality, and the question of reform and renewal in the church. His overview of Catholic Social Teaching includes a personal response to the challenge of “white privilege,” and a fascinating treatment of human rights— “an excellent example of discontinuity and even error in the Catholic tradition” as the church has moved from hostility to enthusiastic support for human rights.

In Part II, he considers the bioethical and sexual traditions in Catholic moral theology, while in Part III he addresses the reforms of Vatican II and their ongoing meaning for the church. While noting that the struggle for reform will always be part of the church’s life, he concludes with a hopeful appraisal of Pope Francis and signs of renewal—especially in the field of moral teaching.