Richard Gaillardetz is an American theologian specializing in questions relating to Catholic ecclesiology and the structures of authority in the Roman Catholic Church. In 2000 Dr. Gaillardetz received the Sophia Award from the faculty of the Washington Theological Union in recognition of "theological excellence in service to ministry," and he has received numerous awards from the Catholic Press Association for his occasional pieces. He is currently the Joseph Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology at Boston College. (#28828)