Robert McClory is an author, a journalist, a professor, and a former Roman Catholic priest. He is the author of six books, including Radical Discipline: Father Phieger, St. Sabina Church, and the Fight for Social Justice. He is a former staff writer for the Chicago Defender and the Chicago Reader and is a regular contributor to Chicago Magazine, National Catholic Reporter, and U.S. Catholic Magazine. He passed away in 2015.
Revealing the story of a white Catholic priest serving a black Chicago parish who has been criticized as a trouble-making maverick, a renegade cleric, and a publicity hound, this book is a fascinating look at the inner workings of the Catholic Church, the traditions of the black pulpit, and what it takes to change the laws in a major American city. This biography concentrates on Father Pfleger’s work at St. Sabina and covers his efforts to build up the parish, his activism, his work to rejuvenate the community, his battles with church leaders, and his strong relationship with the St. Sabina parishioners. This personal story tells how this dynamic preacher and his church community have created social changes to transform their neighborhood, change the face of a city, and inspire thousands.
