To His Face: Indefectibility and the Problem of Dissent
By Andrew Likoudis
“But when Cephas came to Antioch,
I opposed him to his face.”
GALATIANS 2:11
When may a Catholic withhold assent from the teaching of the Church? In our day, the question is pressed from opposite directions — by progressives who appeal to conscience and progress within a secular frame of reference, and by traditionalists who appeal to their private understanding of Tradition (more accurately, ecclesial traditions) and the sensus fidelium — yet both, Andrew Likoudis argues, commit the same error.
Reading Lumen Gentium, Dei Verbum, and Donum Veritatis alongside Newman, Aquinas, Congar, and Bellarmine, To His Face argues that the indefectibility of the Church is the ground on which all genuine assent rests. A theologian may raise an honest difficulty — studying it, and submitting his concerns to the competent authority; what he may not do is adjudicate against what the magisterium has already determined, for the judgment of doctrine belongs to the living Church alone. To pronounce a rupture where the magisterium has not, whatever its conclusions, is the structure of theological liberalism.
Paperback: $TBA | Kindle: $9.99
TESTIMONIALS
“It is remarkable how Likoudis has produced a text accessible to the layperson, rich enough for the seasoned theologian, and timely for our situation. I endorse this small but tremendous book.” – SUAN SONNA, Director of Apologetics, Diocese of Bridgeport
“A clear, concise, and measured contribution to the discourse on obedience in today’s ecclesial atmosphere, engaging honestly with authority, infallibility, and permissible criticism — to the real benefit of any concerned reader.” – ANDREW MIONI, Author of Ignorance of Things Divine
“Likoudis offers careful analysis of assent and dissent within the Church, mindful of the interaction between the levels of the magisterium… in full consciousness of the presence of the Word Incarnate, whom we seek in every act of assent.” – VERY REV. CANON FRANCIS V. TISO, Priest of the Diocese of Isernia-Venafro; former Associate Director, USCCB Secretariat for Ecumenical Affairs
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew Likoudis is a Catholic scholar whose work spans ecclesiology, ecumenism, and liturgy. He serves as Digital Editor of Where Peter Is, holding an M.A. in Catholic Studies from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a B.S. in Communication Studies from Towson University.
He organized and edited Faith in Crisis: Critical Dialogues in Catholic Traditionalism, Church Authority, and Reform, a 40-chapter volume drawing some thirty contributors—among them Cardinal Robert Sarah, Jimmy Akin, and Mike Aquilina. His most recent book is To His Face: Indefectibility and the Problem of Dissent (En Route Books and Media, 2026), on the indefectibility of the Church and against theological dissent, with a foreword by Robert Fastiggi and an afterword by Emmett O’Regan.
His recent editorial work includes the fiftieth-anniversary edition of Yves Congar’s Challenge to the Church: The Case of Archbishop Lefebvre (En Route Books and Media, 2026), which he edited and introduced (foreword by Larry Chapp; afterword by Andrew Mioni), and the third edition of Ending the Byzantine Greek Schism (Emmaus Road, 2026), with a foreword by Scott Hahn—the opening volume of his late grandfather’s trilogy on Catholic-Orthodox reunion. Andrew is the grandson of Catholic apologist James Likoudis, President Emeritus of Catholics United for the Faith (CUF), and the nephew and godson of Paul Likoudis, longtime editor of The Wanderer, the oldest national Catholic weekly in the US.
In all he has authored, edited, or compiled twelve volumes on Catholic ecclesiology and the papacy, and has published more than fifty articles in outlets including the National Catholic Register, Catholic Review, Philosophy Now, and Where Peter Is.
As founder and president of the Likoudis Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) research institute, he directs its journal, The Kydones Review, and runs day-to-day operations. He writes at Tradition & Renewal on Substack and is a parishioner at America’s First Cathedral. He enjoys kayaking, bachata, tennis, and chess. More at andrewlikoudis.com.
OTHER BOOKS ON CATHOLIC FAITH AND MORALS
Challenge to the Church: The Case of Archbishop LeFebvre by Yves Congar, OP
Challenge to the Church: The Case of Archbishop LeFebvre By Yves Congar, OP, Edited by Andrew Likoudis In 1976, as Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre’s defiance of Rome broke into open crisis, the Dominican ecclesiologist Yves Congar, OP, whose work shaped the Second Vatican...
The Recorded Lectures of Dr. Bella Dodd, ed. by Kevin J. Symonds
The Recorded Lectures of Dr. Bella Dodd Edited by Kevin J. Symonds The Recorded Lectures of Dr. Bella Dodd brings together the most significant surviving speeches of one of the twentieth century’s most compelling converts and anti-communist witnesses. Edited by Kevin...
The Sacramentality of Personhood: A Philosophical Thirst Meets Theology by Msgr. Walter Oxley
The Sacramentality of Personhood: A Philosophical Thirst Meets Theology by Msgr. Walter Oxley The Sacramentality of Personhood explores the deep connection between philosophy and theology in understanding human personhood as inherently relational and sacred. Drawing...
What is Marriage? Toward a Theology of One-Flesh Union as the Image of the Trinity by Paul Murano
What is Marriage? Toward a Theology of One-Flesh Union as the Image of the Trinity by Paul Murano What Is Marriage? offers a profound theological and philosophical exploration of marriage as a one-flesh union rooted in human nature and elevated by grace. Drawing on...
The Catholic Mass by Frits Albers
The Catholic Mass by Frits Albers, edited by Frank Calneggia The Catholic Mass is a systematic exposition and explanation of all the parts of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is written in plain language so that parents can better understand the Mass themselves and...
On Judging, Conscience and Predestination by Frits Albers
On Judging, Conscience and Predestination by Frits Albers, edited by Frank Calneggia This book is actually the third in a series dealing with a quasi-religious phenomenon of relatively recent times called “The World Council of Churches”. The central book simply has...
Redeeming Reason: The Battle for Faith, Rationality, and Truth, Part 1 by Eduardo J. Echeverria
Redeeming Reason: The Battle for Faith, Rationality, and Truth, Part 1 by Eduardo J. Echeverria Redeeming Reason shows how faith and rational inquiry belong together, challenging secular autonomy and fideism. Eduardo J. Echeverria—Roman Catholic Kuyperian—engages...
The Beyerhaus Effect: An Outline of Contemporary Subversion by Frits Albers
The Beyerhaus Effect: An Outline of Contemporary Subversion by Frits Albers, edited by Frank Calneggia The Beyerhaus Effect is a penetrating theological analysis of modern ecclesial subversion, examining how orthodox Christian teaching exposes-and disrupts-ideological...
“In Christ”: Paul’s Meaning in Romans 6:1-14 by Mary Angela McMenamin
"In Christ": Paul's Meaning in Romans 6:1-14 by Mary Angela McMenamin Paul coined the phrase “in Christ” as entered through baptism. Does the phrase reveal something profound about our optimal state of aliveness? Does Paul use “in Christ” instead of the Trinitarian...
The World Council of Churches by Frits Albers
The World Council of Churches by Frits Albers, edited by Frank Calneggia The World Council of Churches by Frits Albers offers a forceful theological critique of the ecumenical movement through a distinctly Catholic lens. Drawing on Scripture, Church teaching, and...
St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage: A Synopsis of His Complete Works by Anne Stokes
St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage: A Synopsis of His Complete Works by Anne Stokes This book offers a clear, structured guide to the writings of one of the Church’s most pivotal third-century bishops. Drawing from Cyprian’s eighty-two epistles, twelve treatises, and...
Ignorance of Things Divine: The True Crisis of Faith – And Its Remedy – According to the Magisterium by Andrew Mioni
Ignorance of Things Divine: The True Crisis of Faith – And Its Remedy – According to the Magisterium By Andrew Mioni The Catholic Church has certainly been afflicted by a crisis of faith in recent decades. But is this a crisis that began with the reforms of Vatican...
Finding God in the World: The Sacramental Worldview of Josef Pieper by Fr. Christopher Seith
Finding God in the World: An Introduction to Josef Pieper's Sacramental Worldview by Fr. Christopher Seith “Man’s ability to see is in decline… because there is too much to see.” These words of philosopher Josef Pieper offer an insightful diagnosis of modern man’s...
The Metaphysics of Martyrdom by J. Marianne Siegmund
The Metaphysics of Martyrdom by J. Marianne Siegmund In The Metaphysics of Martyrdom, J. Marianne Siegmund explores the mystery of witness through death as a metaphysical act of fidelity to truth, goodness, and beauty. Drawing upon Scripture, St. Thomas Aquinas, and...
A Concise Introduction to Bernard Lonergan, S.J. by Fr. John P. Cush, STD
A Concise Introduction to Bernard Lonergan, S.J. by Rev. John P. Cush, STD This accessible introduction explores the life, thought, and theological method of Bernard Lonergan, SJ. It traces his biography, intellectual influences, and major works—especially Insight and...
Sacred Images and the Belief in the Real Presence by Lisette A. Arguello, Th.D.
Response received from Pope Leo XIV's office! He's grateful for Lisette's book! You should be, too! Get your copy today!Sacred Images and the Belief in the Real Presence: From the Patristic Era to the Present by Lisette A. Arguello This book argues that venerating...
Faith in Crisis: Critical Dialogues in Catholic Traditionalism, Church Authority, and Reform edited by Andrew Likoudis
Cardinal Cristophe Pierre, Papal Nuncio to the US, likes Faith in Crisis! You should, too! Get your copy today! Faith in Crisis: Critical Dialogues in Catholic Traditionalism, Church Authority, and Reform edited by Andrew Likoudis Faith in Crisis equips Catholics to...
The Host of Gethsemane: Eucharistic Hospitality in the Gethsemane Narratives by Dr. Annabelle Moseley, Th.D.
The Host of Gethsemane: Eucharistic Hospitality in the Gethsemane Narratives by Dr. Annabelle Moseley, Th.D. Discovering the Garden of Gethsemane as an Invitation to Deeper Prayer, Obedience to the Will of God, and Deeper Love of the Eucharist The Host of...
Redeeming Sex: The Battle for the Body by Eduardo Echeverria
Redeeming Sex: The Battle for the Body by Eduardo J. Echeverria The project of redeeming sex involves the battle for the body, one that is fought on many fronts in this book: the need for a philosophical and theological anthropology on the nature of the human person,...
A Catechesis on Deification, Transfiguration & the Luminous Mysteries by Matthew A. Tsakanikas, STD
A Catechesis on Deification, Transfiguration & the Luminous Mysteries by Matthew A. Tsakanikas, STD This book is a catechetical exploration of Christian deification, deeply rooted in the theological insights of Saint Athanasius and other Church Fathers. The work...
On the Third Part of the Secret of Fatima
For ongoing updates to this discussion, please visit Kevin’s website at https://kevinsymonds.com/ Special thanks: In addition to those named within the book as translators, En Route Books and Media would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Michela Ferri, who proofed...
The Rest of the Gospel Story: A Dated Summary of the New Testament Gospels and The Poem of the Man-God in Synthesis by David J. Webster
The Rest of the Gospel Story: A Dated Summary of the New Testament Gospels and The Poem of the Man-God in Synthesis by David J. Webster The Church distinguishes between “private” revelations, meant for personal faith and discernment, and revelations of public...
The Dated Parallel Harmony of the Gospels by David J. Webster
The Dated Parallel Harmony of the Gospels by David J. Webster The Holy ScripturesOur Divine Family Legacy as the sons of God.The grand history of human redemption revealed in three great epics: The Greatest Story ever told, the miraculous origin, deliverance and...
John’s Gospel: Recovering Authorial Intent by Fr. Peter Grover, OMV
John's Gospel: Recovering Authorial Intent by Fr. Peter Grover, OMV In this book, Fr. Peter Grover, OMV, introduces an innovative intratextual methodology to interpret the Gospel of John as a cohesive literary work, focusing on the author’s intent. He argues that the...
Foundations of Our Catholic Faith and The Hedge of the Vine: Selected Works of Frits Albers, Volume 3, Ed. by Frank Calneggia
The Foundations of Our Catholic Faith and The Hedge of the Vine: The Selected Works of Frits Albers, Vol. 3 by Frits Albers, edited by Frank Calneggia Selected for publication in this third volume of the works of Frits Albers are the following: The Foundations of Our...
The Face of Jesus, the Martyr and the Reciprocity of Abiding Love by J. Marianne Siegmund
The Face of Jesus, the Martyr and the Reciprocity of Abiding Love: Anthropological Considerations in Spiritual Theology Based Upon the Pontifical Writings of Pope Saint John Paul the Great by J. Marianne Siegmund This book explores the theological and spiritual...
D. H. Lawrence, Traditionalist: The Development of the Theme of the Sacred and the Profane by John Michael Klink
D.H. Lawrence, Traditionalist: The Development of the Theme of the Sacred and the Profane by John Michael Klink In this book, John Michael Klink shows how Lawrence redirects the modern reader to an awareness of the ancient distinction between that which yields life...
Crucified Love: Littleness, Spousal Love, and Fiat as the Instruments Jesus used in Enduring the Cross and the Means of a Soul Uniting with Him in Crucified Love by Dr. Mary Kloska
Crucified Love: Littleness, Spousal Love, and Fiat as the Instruments Jesus used in Enduring the Cross and the Means of a Soul Uniting with Him in Crucified Love by Dr. Mary Elizabeth Anne Kloska, Fiat+ In Crucified Love: Littleness, Spousal Love, and Fiat as...
Gender Ideology and Pastoral Practice: A Handbook for Catholic Clergy, Counselors, and Ministerial Leaders by Theresa Farnan, Susan Selner-Wright, and Robert L. Fastiggi
Guidance about the Transgender Question: A Discussion with Theresa Farnan, Robert L. Fastiggi, Susan Selner-Wright, hosted by Krzysztof Odyniec. Click here for more.Gender Ideology and Pastoral Practice: A Handbook for Catholic Clergy, Counselors, and Ministerial...
Lived Experience and the Search for Truth: Revisiting Catholic Sexual Morality
Lived Experience and the Search for Truth: Revisiting Catholic Sexual Morality Editors -- Deborah Savage and Robert L. Fastiggi This book is an initial attempt to arrive inductively at the truths embedded in the moral teaching of the Church through the lived...
Jesus Christ, Scandal of Particularity: Vatican II, a Catholic Theology of Religions, Justification, and Truth by Eduardo J. Echeverria
Jesus Christ, Scandal of Particularity: Vatican II, a Catholic Theology of Religions, Justification, and Truth by Eduardo J. Echeverria In this book, in view of the light of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, and hence the scandal of particularity, the author...
Two Towers and a Minaret: Migration from a Catholic Perspective by Fr. Piotr Mazurkiewicz
Two Towers and a Minaret: Migration from a Catholic Perspective by Fr. Piotr Mazurkiewicz with a preface by John M. Klink and a foreword by Jane F. Adolphe Mass migration is a serious challenge in both America and Europe. Hence the question of the ethical limits of...
Rigidez: Fidelidade ou Heterodoxia? por Pedro Gabriel
Rigidez: Fidelidade ou Heterodoxia? por Pedro Gabriel "Porque é que o Papa Francisco está sempre a criticar os católicos fiéis?" é uma pergunta frequentemente repetida sempre que o Santo Padre faz uma das suas habituais invectivas contra a rigidez religiosa. De facto,...
Altar Against Altar: An Analysis of Catholic Traditionalism by Andrew Mioni
Altar Against Altar: An Analysis of Catholic Traditionalism By Andrew Mioni When does the crisis in the Church end? May priests universally minister without any canonical mission? Can one Eucharist be offered against another in legitimate Catholic worship? Using the...
Rigidity: Faithfulness or Heterodoxy by Pedro Gabriel
Rigidity: Faithfulness or Heterodoxy? by Pedro Gabriel “Why is Pope Francis always criticizing faithful Catholics?” is an oft-repeated question whenever the Holy Father makes one of his usual invectives against religious rigidity. Francis has indeed made such...
Vatican II, Defense of the Novus Ordo Missae, Five Smooth Stones (1 Sam. 17:40) – On Modern Trends and How to Deal with Them: The Selected Works of Frits Albers, Vol. 2 by Frits Albers
Vatican II, Defense of the Novus Ordo Missae, Five Smooth Stones (1 Sam. 17:40) – On Modern Trends and How to Deal with Them: The Selected Works of Frits Albers, Vol. 2 by Frits Albers, edited with a Foreword by Frank Calneggia Selected for publication in this second...
Contemporary Sacred Art: Conversations on Art & Faith
Contemporary Sacred Art: Conversations on Art & Faith by Dr. Michela Beatrice Ferri In translation now from the Italian. Buy it in the original language here: What is the so-called “Contemporary Sacred Art”? In her book, Michela Beatrice Ferri inquires about the...
It’s Everybody’s World: We either Live Together or Die Together by Robin Arthur
It's Everybody's World: We either Live Together or Die Together by Robin Arthur This book invites global communities to seek the peaceful advancement of humanity that globalisation can bring about and open the gates to a common future, casting away the other troubles...
Elements of Christianity: The Beauty of the Christian Faith
Elements of Christianity: The Beauty of the Christian Faith by Tonino Vicari This book attempts to make accessible to the average reader the basic elements of Church teaching concerning morality, natural law, and supernatural truths that have been passed down through...
Politics, Law & Religion in Times of COVID, ed. by Jane F. Adolphe, Fulvio Di Blasi, Robert L. Fastiggi
Politics, Law & Religion in Times of COVID Editors, Jane F. Adolphe, Fulvio Di Blasi, and Robert L. Fastiggi After two years of anti-COVID-19 policies, an international group of Catholic scholars and lawyers gathered in Rome under the auspices of the International...
The Gender Revolution: A Global Agenda by Marguerite A. Peeters
The Gender Revolution: A Global Agenda (A Tool for Discernment) by Marguerite A. Peeters, Ph.D., with a Foreword by Robert Cardinal Sarah Wherever one lives in the world and whatever one’s age and occupation, it has today become difficult to escape the influence of...
Consuming Love by Fr. Gregory Cleveland, OMV
Consuming Love: Discovering Christ the Bridegroom in Holy Communion by Fr. Gregory Cleveland, OMV The Eucharist is the “sacrament of love.” Jesus Christ is the true Bridegroom of our hearts, and it is he whom we receive in holy Communion. Even if you have received our...
Heresia Disfarçada de Tradição por Pedro Gabriel
Heresia Disfarçada de Tradição por Pedro Gabriel Uma afirmação muito difundida nos círculos católicos atuais é que se pode ignorar os ensinamentos do Papa Francisco ou do Concílio Vaticano II se eles ensinarem algo que parece ir contra a tradição. Será que isso é...
Unpacking Palamism: A Catholic Critique
Unpacking Palamism: A Catholic Critique by James Likoudis with essays selected and edited by Andrew Likoudis Unpacking Palamism: A Catholic Critique, penned by esteemed scholar Dr. James Likoudis, meticulously scrutinizes the doctrines of Palamism, a theological...
The Lord of the Rings and Catholicism
The Lord of the Rings and Catholicism: Exploring the Christian Roots of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by Madeleine Dobrowski This book explores the Catholic themes that can be found in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is written for all lovers of Tolkien, Catholic or...
Disputed Catholic Landmarks: From Disinformation to Information
Disputed Catholic Landmarks: From Disinformation to Information by Gerard Verschuuren Everyone's life has landmarks: when you were born, when you graduated from school, when you got your first job, when you got married, and so many more. There must be many landmarks...
Human Nature: Moral Norm
Human Nature: Moral Norm by Francis Etheredge There is a 'difference, both anthropological and moral, between contraception and recourse to the rhythm of the cycle: it is a difference which is much wider and deeper than is usually thought, one which involves in the...
The Divine Mosaic: Piecing Together Catholic and Orthodox Unity
The Divine Mosaic: Piecing Together Catholic and Orthodox Unity by James Likoudis, Edited by Andrew Likoudis This book collects essays, speeches, and presentations given over the course of James Likoudis' seven decades as a Catholic. As a convert from Eastern...
Heresy Disguised as Tradition
Heresy Disguised as Tradition by Pedro Gabriel A widespread assertion in Catholic circles today is that one can disregard the teachings of Pope Francis or the Second Vatican Council if they teach something that seems to go against tradition. Is this the case? In this...
Scholars of the Sacred: Dominican Theologians in Late Medieval Byzantium
Scholars of the Sacred: Dominican Theologians in Late Medieval Byzantium by James Likoudis, Edited by Andrew Likoudis This in-depth study of the Catholic–Orthodox reunion efforts during the tumultuous 11th–15th centuries reveals the vital role played by the Dominican...