In this book Karraker presents the results of a three years research that focused on a small Midwestern U. S. city. ... Her arguments are laid out very nicely and are very convincing. ... Diversity and the Common Good gives theoretical tools to understand how partnership between civil society and religion can indeed be a potent force in the pursuit of the common good. . . This book [is a welcome edition], and hope it will inspire many others. It is so timely!

Catholic Books Review

This book could not be more timely. In a well-grounded study of one Midwestern city, Meg Wilkes Karraker pulls Catholic sisters into the limelight and convincingly documents their immense contributions to the common good. The sisters at the heart of her study are inspiring, pragmatic, and exemplars of Christianity-in-practice as they embrace the Gospel mandate to care for the stranger. This is a well-written contribution to the literature that has long overlooked Catholic sisters—an unparalleled, faith-based workforce that has done so much for so many.

Kathleen Mahoney, Past President Porticus North American Foundation

This book weaves together several themes of great consequence in the United States right now and long into the future: immigration, diversity, and the value of religious involvement in civic issues, especially the role of Catholic sisters. Karraker masterfully combines serious sociological research and lively narrative as she tackles the impact of contentious social change in a small Midwestern city. She gains unique insight by spending extensive time in the community interviewing civic leaders, ordinary citizens, and the sisters. The results reveal the high esteem in which the whole town holds the sisters for the role they have had in reconciling diverse elements and widely differing viewpoints. Even as the author lauds the sisters, she laments their declining numbers and the failure of research to acknowledge their contributions in similar situations. The book will have wide appeal, not only to scholars, but to all who appreciate a dynamic account of the force for good that is possible when religious and civic leaders work together.

Katarina Schuth, University of St. Thomas