First Parish Bedford welcomes ILYON WOO, acclaimed author of Master Slave Husband Wife as our annual Spirit of Democracy speaker. This annual worship service honors the justice ministry of our late minister emeritus, Jack Mendelsohn and the ongoing justice, peace, and freedom efforts of First Parish.

Through the true story of one determined couple’s escape, Ms. Woo calls on us to reflect on our American history of slavery and marginalization. With freedom for some but not for all, this story of courage sets the stage for us to ask ourselves, what next.

A finalist for the 2023 Kirkus Prize, this New York Times bestselling author has appeared on NPR, and Sunday Morning on CBS.

 The Spirit of Democracy is my secular and religious inspiration to seek, in solidarity with others, ever deeper and wider embodiment of devotion to freedom, peace, justice, and the General Welfare.  -Jack Mendelsohn

Copies of Ms. Woo’s book will be available for purchase.

There will be a moderated discussion following the service.