The life of William F. Powers consists of two major parts. Raised in an Irish Catholic family in New York City, he became a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. After leaving church service, he married and had a three decade career as a Professor of Sociology. Since retirement in 1999, he and his wife, Ann, have lived in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. His previous books include Free Priests, Alive and Well, and Tar Heel Catholics. His son, William Powers, is the author of books and articles on global issues. His daughter, Amy Powers, operates a business that evaluates environmental education programs.