(ZENIT News / Washington, DC, 03.18. 2026) – A recently published book on the clergy in the United States reveals the lack of trust priests have in their Bishops. The work presents a study that addresses everything from priest burnout to their ministerial activity in the wake of the abuse crisis.
Through the Catholic Project, the National Study of Catholic Priests (NSCP) conducted a survey of Catholic priests in 2022 at the initiative of The Catholic University of America.
The book «Rebuilding Trust» analyzes the results of that NSCP survey on the current view of the priesthood, the possibilities for renewal, the willingness to make an effort, and the burnout experienced by priests.
Each chapter, written by a different author, examines the survey data and includes illustrative quotes from the participating priests.
Regarding abuse in the Catholic Church, the analysis reviews the processes implemented after the Dallas Letter — published in June 2002, in which the U.S. Bishops expressed their commitment to protecting children and young people from sexual abuse — and indicates that these have had mixed effects. The survey reveals a perception of shortcomings in the process applied to accused priests, generating widespread distrust of the U.S. episcopate: «Priests’ trust in their Bishops has declined significantly over the last two decades, with less than half of U.S. priests trusting their local Bishops. Moreover, in a truly astonishing statistic, only 24% of priests trust the U.S. episcopate as a whole.»
Regarding the relationship between priests and their Bishop, a gap is observed between how some Bishops perceive their own role — as shepherd, brother, companion, father, and servant — and how priests see them, primarily as administrators and shepherds. There is, however, theological agreement between priests and Bishops regarding the Church’s teaching on Holy Orders and the effort to live the priestly ministry. Even so, noted is the need for «greater unity between the diocesan Bishop and his priests, which will be crucial for pastoral ministry and for the life and well-being of priests.”
In the survey results regarding the statement «My mood as a priest is good,» 83% of priests responded «agree» or «strongly agree.» It also highlights that 45% experience some symptoms of ministerial burnout.
The authors of the book explore five areas mentioned by priests as supporting their willingness to engage in the priesthood and underscore the importance of «spiritual practices, self-care, imagination, the feeling that the Bishop cares about the priest as a person, and regular connection with a supportive priestly community.»
Some chapters reflect a diminished trust in Bishops, while also revealing a remarkable sense of well-being among priests, accompanied by a dose of realism. The editor of “Rebuilding Trust” suggests that the book constitutes «a timely and necessary contribution to the discussion on how the Church can rebuild trust, support priests, and cultivate a healthier presbyterate.»
