Father Robert (Bob) Flannery

While working as a Pastor at Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Carbondale, as a chaplain at the Newman Center at Southern Illinois University, as a diocesan ecumenical and interreligious officer for over twenty-four years and his continued service in may differing capacities promiting interreligious dialogue, Fr. Bob has exemplified what the Ezekiel award stands for by challenging those around him and striving for collaboration for all.

Fr. Bob has been past president of councils, associations, chaired and co-chaired conferences, served on boards, and consulted at meetings. He's traveled to various countries to participate in ecumenical and interreligious formation opportunities, been featured as a keynote speaker at conferences, and co-authored a booklet. His work in interreligious dialogue spans over 25 different capacities, each a key role in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue not just in the United States, but worldwide. His wonderful humor and deep concern for others lays the groundwork for a collaborative environment wherever he goes.