ASTORIA – Culturally taboo subjects like faith and politics are often omitted from the conversation, but Russ Pierson will bring them to the front of the table during his presentation “Faith and Politics in Oregon and Beyond.” The free event happens at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Astoria Library, 450 10th St.

Pierson earned a doctor of ministry in global leadership degree from George Fox University and holds several sustainability-related certifications. He is dean of the Lane Community College Florence Center on the coast and has a mixed-up background in construction management, the faith community and higher education.

This event is part of the Conversation Project, sponsored by Oregon Humanities. The event aims to engage community in thoughtful, challenging conversations about ideas critical to our daily lives and our state’s future.

For more information, visit oregonhumanities.org, astorialibrary.org or contact 503-325-7323.