The Church of Christ is a collection of writings by Monsignor Joseph Clifford Fenton, a distinguished American theologian of the twentieth century. These eighteen essays offer manifold rich insights into Christ’s living presence in the Church, the controversies surrounding the marks of the Church, the foundational principles of the Church’s relationship to the state, and more. Shedding light on overlooked or unexplored dimensions of ecclesiology, Fenton invites readers both to develop a deeper understanding of the nature and structure of the Church and to increase their love for the Mystical Body of Christ. The Church of Christ , edited and introduced by Christian D. Washburn, also offers extensive references for those who wish to delve further into the wisdom further on these topics or to read more of Fenton’s works. “Washburn provides an invaluable service to Catholic theology with this collection of writings by Msgr. Fenton. The eighteen articles in this volume reveal the learning, depth and wisdom of a first-class ecclesiologist and peritus of Vatican II. For those wishing to understand the central questions of ecclesiology discussed before and during the Second Vatican Council, this book is an absolute must.” ~Robert L. Fastiggi, Ph.D., Professor of Systematic Theology, Sacred Heart Major Seminary “…absolutely essential reading for any serious student of ecclesiology. The thoughtful, balanced, orthodox, and acute analysis of Msgr. Fenton serves as a prime example of the kind of renewal that was and remains desirable, one in organic continuity with the great tradition, committed to the unchanging dogmas of the Church but open to new insights and corrections in speculative matters.” ~Christopher Malloy, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Theology, University of Dallas “Monsignor Fenton’s writings on the definition and necessity of the Church of Christ for salvation, along with his teaching on the ordinary papal magisterium and religious liberty are invaluable. This text should be required reading for seminarians and students of theology alike. One may certainly expect that the recovery of Fenton’s works will reintroduce a fresh and sound perspective, renewing theological discourse on the Church. This book surely leaves the reader wanting much more.” ~Michael G. Sirilla, Ph.D., Professor of Systematic and Dogmatic Theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville