Publishing for a World Church

In brief

Robert Ellsberg traces the history of Orbis Books to illustrate the development of a global Church that moves away from European centers of power. Writing for Commonweal, Ellsberg notes that the publishing house was founded during a period of globalization to reflect a Church rooted in the culture and language of every region and the lives of the poor.

Ellsberg links this shift to the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council in 1965. He explains that the Council sought to open the Church to modern concepts such as democracy and religious liberty. This transition changed the image of the Church from a static institution defined by its opposition to modernity into a pilgrim people moving through history.