With more regular church goers in the UK than the Anglican church, Roman Catholicism has moved out of the ghetto imposed upon it since the English Reformation and proved its staying power. It is also the fastest growing denomination, particularly in Latin America. This book consists of more than 4,500 entries, 279 contributors, 30 feature-length entries, complete tables of the liturgical calendar, ecumenical councils and popes (with brief biographies). Each entry is self-sufficient and all technical terms are explained.