The University of Puget Sound is proud to announce the upcoming Swope Lecture featuring Ann Holmes Redding, a distinguished speaker and scholar-practitioner. Join us Oct. 19, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in Kilworth Memorial Chapel (or Zoom livestream) for this free, public event. She will present “What’s Jesus Got to Do With It? Anticipating the Demise of Cultural Christianity,” followed by a Q&A session.
Redding's work is dedicated to fostering interreligious and interspiritual collaboration while co-creating peace, justice and sustaining human life. She is widely recognized as a teacher, spiritual guide, consultant, writer, and singer.
With a diverse upbringing, her work draws inspiration from African-American spirituals, the liturgy and music of her family's integrated Episcopal parish, and exposure to various faith traditions committed to social justice. She was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1984, but her spiritual journey took an unexpected turn in 2006 when she merged Islam with her Christian faith.
Redding, who has a Ph.D. in the New Testament from Union Theological Seminary, has shared her wisdom for over four decades at educational institutions such as the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry, and Puget Sound. She explores how cultural and social contexts impact the interpretation of sacred texts and the lives of her students. She has been a committed anti-racism consultant for 50 years.
In 2022, Redding transitioned from teaching to focusing on writing a book exploring the roles of Jesus and Mary as symbolic icons across diverse cultural, religious, and spiritual landscapes. Her previous publications, such as Out of Darkness into Light: Spiritual Guidance in the Quran with Reflections from Jewish and Christian Sources, showcase her commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Beyond academia, Redding continues to teach writing and leads the Friday Islamic Prayer Circle of the Interfaith Community Sanctuary and Cherry Street Mosque in Seattle.
The Swope Lecture Series, established through the generosity of Major Ianthe Swope in honor of her mother, Jane Hammer Swope, brings distinguished guest lecturers, like Redding, to Puget Sound to promote critical thinking, ethical inquiry, and discussions on faith, ethics, values, and religion.
The event is free and open to the public.
