Andrew Greeley's Biography Page

Andrew M Greeley's Web

One of the most influential Catholic thinkers and writers of our time, priest, sociologist, author and journalist Father Andrew M. Greeley has built an international assemblage of devout fans over a career that spans five decades. He is the author of over 50 best-selling novels and more than 100 works of non-fiction and his writing has been translated into 12 languages. A Professor of Sociology at the University of Arizona and a Research Associate with the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, Father Greeley is a respected scholar whose current research focuses on the Sociology of Religion.

This “Renaissance Priest” celebrates 50 years as a priest in Spring 2004. That is when three of his new books will be released. They are: The Catholic Revolution: New Wine in Old Wineskins, and the Second Vatican Council (University of California Press)--an analysis of sociological and moral issues facing the Church and priesthood in 2004; Priests: A Calling in Crisis (University of Chicago Press)—a statistical and subjective examination of the priesthood; and a much-anticipated novel, The Priestly Sins (Tor)—which spotlights the powerful forces arrayed against an idealistic priest after he witnesses and reports child abuse by a fellow-priest.

Father Greeley is pleased to announce his new weblog: Andysword.com. A blog where ALL are welcomed to discuss today's important issues and literature

_
Keep in touch...
Locally, and Globally!

Check out
Andrew M. Greeley's Columns for the
Chicago SunTimes'
Daily Southtown.
_

In addition to scholarly studies and popular fiction, this prolific writer pens a weekly column that appears in the Chicago Sun-Times and other newspapers. He is also a frequent contributor to The New York Times, the National Catholic Reporter, America and Commonweal. Known for his mischievous Irish wit and trenchant commentary, Father Greeley is interviewed regularly on national radio and television. He has also authored hundreds of articles on sociological topics, ranging from school desegregation to elder sex to politics and the environment. His articles appear in a broad cross-section of scholarly publications.

Throughout his priesthood, Father Greeley has unflinchingly urged his beloved Church to become more responsive to evolving concerns of Catholics everywhere. His clear writing style, consistent themes and celebrity stature have made him a leading spokesperson for generations of Catholics. Many claim to have remained within the Church because Father Greeley fosters meaningful debate on significant issues that would otherwise remain unexplored. He has chronicled his service to the Church in two autobiographies, Confessions of a Parish Priest and Furthermore!

In 1986, Father Greeley established a $1 million Catholic Inner-City School Fund, providing scholarships and financial support to schools in the Chicago Archdiocese with a minority student body of more than 50 percent. In 1984, he contributed a $1 million endowment to establish a chair in Roman Catholic Studies at the University of Chicago. He also funds an annual lecture series, “The Church in Society,” at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein, Illinois, from which he received his S.T.L. in 1954.

Father Greeley has received many honors and awards, including honorary degrees from the National University of Ireland at Galway, the University of Arizona and Bard College. A Chicago native, he earned his M.A. in 1961 and his PhD in 1962 from the University of Chicago. He is a penetrating student of popular culture who is deeply engaged with the world around him.

Father Greeley remains an inveterate Chicago sports fan, cheering for the Bulls, Bears and the Cubs, while praying for them to improve.