(5 p.m. PDT)

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, the treatment of Uyghurs by China, and other autocratic aggressions raise the question, How can we reduce authoritarianism in our communities? The Association of Adventist Women (AAW) vespers at the Loma Linda University Church at 5 p.m. on October 8 attempts to answer these questions. Speakers include Katrina Blue, PhD, associate professor of theology at Pacific Union College answering "Is God Authoritarian?" Bonnie Dwyer, Spectrum editor emerita, will discuss the role of an independent press. And Elissa Kido, director of the Center for Research on K–12 Adventist Education at La Sierra University, will discuss education’s effects on authoritarianism. Vespers will be livestreamed (https://www.lluc.org/live) for those unable to attend.

The vespers will be followed by AAW’s yearly awards banquet where Woman of the Year awards will be awarded to Margaret Solomon, PhD, La Sierra University educator and Albright scholar; Verna Alva, MD, MPH, psychiatrist, public health leader from Peru; Carmela Monk Crawford, JD, editor of Message magazine; Sylvia Klinger, DBA, global nutrition entrepreneur; Pastor Nandi Fleming, MTh, of South Africa, originator of Christian psychology podcast; and Judy Lello, lifelong literature evangelist. AAW will also award the Champion of Justice award to Randy Roberts, Loma Linda University Church pastor. Tickets are available at https://www.associationofadventistwomen.com/shop