With their new book, Catholic Leadership for Civil Society, authors Cristofer Pereyra and Erin Monnin provide a guide to authentic lay Catholic leadership. The book was born out of the experience gained through the work of Tepeyac Leadership, Inc. (TLI), a global nonprofit organization dedicated to forming Catholic professionals in civic leadership (TLIprogram.org). Much of the inspiration found in its minutes also comes from the witness and exemplary leadership of two bishops who have closely guided the work of TLI, Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix, and Archbishop José Gómez of Los Angeles.

Cristofer Pereyra is the chief executive officer for TLI. Pereyra’s professional career started in media, when he worked for Univision Communications as a television news reporter. He is happily married, and the father of four. 

Erin Monnin is a Catholic wife, mother, entrepreneur, speaker, and social media influencer. Erin is a former FOCUS missionary, a TLI graduate, cohost of the Catholic Leadership for Civil Society podcast, and a Catholic blogger.

Catholic Leadership for Civil Society is structured to show that lay Catholic leadership is not meant to be lived out within the confines of the Catholic community exclusively, but instead serve mainly as a guiding force which illuminates every aspect of secular society with the Truth of the Gospel. The book explains why lay Catholic professionals have a unique responsibility and privileged opportunity to influence the world for Christ. It’s not an optional prerogative, but their duty as baptized children of God. 

The authors explain that chance and coincidence are not compatible with the Catholic Faith. If God has blessed some lay Catholics with a professional career, then their career must obligatorily become those Catholics’ field of mission. Ultimately, this book explores specific fields and concrete ways to carry out Catholic leadership for civil society.