We include this piece in part because of its strong authorial presence. Sedensky guides readers through his portrait of Fred Phelps with a firm hand. Here’s an example: “They’re not doing this to save you. They’re doing it to save themselves.” This assertiveness, the willingness to tell us what’s up and the use of the second person—all help us feel we’re in good company, as we read this study of a strange and hateful man.

Read “Kansas minister delivers sermons of hatred and doom,” by Matt Sedensky

Most popular articles from Nieman Storyboard