Larkin shows that the unification of the church in Ireland was the direct result of the ability of its bishops to institutionalize their corporate character. By creating policy in response to the pastoral, educational, political, and constitutional challenges to their corporate wholeness, the bishops established their solidarity, and their success in resolving problems of the distribution of power ultimately gave the bishops the determining voice in the governance of their church.Originally published in 1987.A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value. Read Less