Jo Renee Formicola, Ph.D.

Professor of Political Science
Department of Political Science and Public Affairs

Dr. Formicola's specific field of expertise is Church-State relations. While at Seton Hall University, she has published extensively on political and religious topics that deal with the relationship between the Catholic Church and the American Government. She is the author of five books: Papal Policies on Clerical Sexual Abuse (2019);  Clerical Sexual Abuse: How the Crisis Changed U. S.. Church-State Relations (2014), The Politics of Values (2008); John Paul II: Prophetic Politician (2002)  and The Catholic Church and Human Rights (1988). She is also the co-author of two other books: The Politics of School Choice (1999), as well as Faith-Based Initiatives and the Bush Administration (2003). She is a co-editor and chapter contributor to three other volumes: Taking Religious Pluralism Seriously (2005); Religious Leaders and Faith Based Politics (2001); and Everson Revisited (1997).  Dr. Formicola  has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Church and State. She is often seen on television doing commentary on religious issues, especially those related to Catholicism, the papacy, and U. S. politics.