University of New Mexico Sociology Professor Richard Wood is one of two featured authors on Sunday, Oct. 23 from 3-5 p.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa Ave. NE. The church hosts a challenging forum, "Faith, Community, and Inclusivity." This event is free and open to the public.

'A Shared Future'
A Shared Future

Wood’s book, A Shared Future: Faith-based organizing for racial equity and ethical democracy, looks at the challenges and the promise of community organizing to rebuild American democracy on a multi-faith, multiracial basis. It just won the 2016 Best Book Award from the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action, the leading professional association for research on non-profits.

Wood, who also serves as the director of the UNM Southwest Institute of Religion, Culture, and Society, will also speak about his current project on how civic engagement can be a source of vitality, congregational development and spiritual renewal within faith communities.

To Drink from the Silver Cup
To Drink from the Silver Cup

Anna Redsand's book is To Drink from the Silver Cup:  from faith through exile and beyond.  It traces the story of her journey as "a young lesbian, raised by missionaries, in Navajo Country, walking away from everything she loved to be herself, while she longed for home."  She tells of her moving through differing spiritual and political experiences, seeking authenticity and a community that could embrace all that she is.

The authors will present from 3-4:30 p.m. after which members of a panel will respond. Time for coffee, fellowship, questions and book-signing follow the formal presentation, until 5 p.m.