'Rendering to God and Caesar': The Irish Churches and the Two States in Ireland, 1949-73

Description

This book discusses the history of the Church of Ireland and the Catholic Church and their Episcopal leaders in the period from 1949 to 1973. It considers the opening years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and their impact on the main churches, and also the relationships between these churches and the two states in Ireland. It also looks at the development of inter-church relations and ecumenism, and offers a new perspective on North-South relations and the causes of religious division. Based on highly original and very comprehensive research, the book offers fascinating insights into the recent past of these key Irish institutions. It will be welcomed by students and teachers of twentieth century and contemporary Irish history, as well as those interested in the political landscape of Ireland today. -- .

Daithi O Corrain is a Research Fellow in the Centre for Contemporary Irish History, Trinity College Dublin -- .

"The book highlights how the Catholic Church in Northern Ireland pre-Troubles was in many ways the most coherent and authoritive spokesman for the nationalist community, in the absence of effective political engagement, with many battles fought with Stormont over Catholic education and control of voluntary hospitals." --Martin Mansergh, "Sunday Business Post" (Dublin) "This book deserves a wide readership. Moreover, the author's control of his material and his clear, fluid style make for easy reading" --Thomas J.Morrissey, Book Reviews "The book highlights how the Catholic Church in Northern Ireland pre-Troubles was in many ways the most coherent and authoritive spokesman for the nationalist community, in the absence of effective political engagement, with many battles fought with Stormont over Catholic education and control of voluntary hospitals." --Martin Mansergh, "Sunday Business Post" (Dublin)"This book deserves a wide readership. Moreover, the author's control of his material and his clear, fluid style make for easy reading" --Thomas J.Morrissey, Book Reviews