Churches and Urban Government in Detroit and New York, 1895-1994

"Churches and Urban Government in Detroit and New York, 1895–1994 by the political scientist Henry Pratt offers important insights into how this relationship changed-at least in these two metropolises-over the course of a turbulent twentieth century. Churches and Urban Government in Detroit and New York, 1895–1994 offers an interesting comparison of two major urban centers and their respective religious and political landscapes. This comparative approach will help Detroit historians and those interested in Michigan history to better understand the distinctive political culture that has shaped the city over the past one hundred years."—Michigan Historical Review

"This book belongs to a small but growing literature that analyses the role of religious bodies in urban governance in the in US context. The introduction situates the study in he context of historical institutionalist theory and regime theory on the city. Overall, the book does a good job positions urban church institutions in their wider historical context."—Urban Studies

"Provides an engaging social and religious history of Detroit and New York and presents a compelling account of similarities and differences. This book will be cited as a standard in the field and will be of interest to students of religion, urban politics, and social history."—Clyde Wilcox, Department of Government, Georgetown University

"There is simply no other work I know of that explores the connections of church federations and urban governance. The book offers new perspectives on urban politics and religion and politics . . . The use of archival material and personal interviews is refreshing and adds significantly to the book."—Frederick C. Harris, Director, Center for the Study of African-American Politics, University of Rochester