Mike Aleman was raised in a Mexican American home in Chicago before moving to Powder River, Wyoming at 15. He was on his high school newspaper staff where he began to write. After graduation he joined the U.S. Navy and spent time in Kodiak, Alaska where he contributed to an idiotic mimeo-graphed newspaper called the Holiday Herald, writing a Advice to the Loveless column under the name of Mabel Aleman. He was young and foolish at the time. Mike has been a lifelong Christian, Lutheran or Presbyterian, has taught Bible Studies, serves as usher for memorial services and celebration of life services, taught God and Christ in Poetry and a short story class called Listening for God. He has been a member of Hamblen Park Presbyterian church in Spokane for 20 years. His poems and stories have been read over KPBX, Spokane Public Radio and have appeared in a small selection of literary journals. In 2024 he published a coming-of-age novel, Powder River 1957. Mike has married, been widowed and remarried. He has one daughter now attending school in Portland, Oregon.

Angela Amos (they/them) serves as the Program Director at Transitions’ Women’s Hearth, a drop-in day center in downtown Spokane. Their areas of expertise include harm reduction, trauma-informed care and substance use disorder treatment. Angela holds an M.A. in Addiction Studies from Eastern Washington University and an M.A. in English Literature from Boise State University. A Spokane transplant, Angela has happily made their home here and lives with their spouse, children and two snarfy dogs, who are, of course, the very best good girls. In their spare time, Angela loves to be outside, go for hikes, read, garden, write and play music.

Greg Asimakoupoulos is a retired Evangelical Covenant Church pastor who has served congregations in California, Illinois and Washington State. He is the author of 20 books and more than 300 articles. Greg currently writes about faith and family values for four newspapers. He and his wife Wendy live in suburban Seattle.

Cassy (pronounced like Cassie but spelled with a 'y') Benefield is a wife and mother, a writer and photographer and a huge fan of non-fiction. She has traveled all her life, first as an Army brat. She is a returned Peace Corps volunteer (2004-2006) to Romania where she mainly taught Conversational English. She received her bachelor’s in journalism from Cal Poly Technical University in San Luis Obispo, California. She finds much comfort in her Savior, Jesus Christ, and considers herself a religion nerd who is prone to buy more books, on nearly any topic, than she is ever able to read. She is the associate editor of FāVS.News.

Rebecca Cooney is an experienced educator, trainer, specialist in online education and writing enthusiast from Pullman, Washington. Her primary gig is professor of strategic communication, but she is passionate about lifelong learning and creating content that enriches the lives of others. She is a wife, mama to four almost-grown kids and dog-mom to Lucy-Lou the goldendoodle. She was raised in a Christian home but describes her current relationship with religion as “complicated and layered.” She blogs at rebecca-cooney.com and tweets frequently @RLCooney.

As an infant, I was baptized as an Eastern Orthodox Christian. However, I would say that becoming a Christian is a work in progress, and I often wonder would there be enough evidence to convict me of becoming a Christian. The Orthodox Church is the ancient Church that Christ and the Apostles established. It is not a religion but rather a way of life. It is not about rules and regulations but rather guide posts to make choices to transition to what we were designed to become. Becoming Orthodox is not a conversion but more so a transformation of self. It’s not about being right: it is about “right being.” In John 14:6, Christ says I am the Way (to love and serve one another), the Truth (there is only one reality), and the Life (that life source is love). I invite you to submit any topics or questions to “Ask An Eastern Orthodox Christian” on the website. Join me in finding our way back home to the original teachings of the Church. When you change the way you look at things, things change the way they look.

Julia Ditto has lived in Spokane Valley most of her life. A mom of six, Julia has a degree in journalism and has written for numerous publications over the years, including a column in The Spokesman-Review called “The Full Suburban.” When she’s not managing her small farm of cows, goats, alpacas and the occasional barn cat, Julia loves to bake and eat sweet treats, go on long walks, watch movies and spend time with her family. She is a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loves to discuss and share her faith.

Jim Downard is a Spokane native (with a sojourn in Southern California back in the early 1960s) who was raised in a secular family, so says had no personal faith to lose. He's always been a history and science buff (getting a bachelor's in the former area at what was then Eastern Washington University in the early 1970s).

Julie A. Ferraro is a communications professional who works extensively with Catholic religious communities. Originally from South Bend, Indiana, she is a mother and grandmother. She has been a journalist for more than 35 years and continues her studies of both Benedictine and Franciscan spirituality.

Alexandra Fil is a reluctant Bay Area resident with strong ties to the Palouse. A recent graduate from the Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University, she holds a master's in communication, having studied how Hallmark movies can teach American audiences about environmentalism. She also holds a Master of Science in accountancy from San Jose State University, and a Bachelor of Science and bachelor’s in biology and anthropology from University of California San Diego. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on media literacy and science communication, with an emphasis on entertainment education, although in another life, she dreams of earning a doctorate by studying all things Christmas. On a personal note, her experience as a caretaker, first to her mother, then younger sister, and then Yaiyai, has profoundly impacted her life and perspectives on society and the human experience. Although raised Greek Orthodox, she personally identifies as a secular humanist.

Kathleen Finley is a nationally-recognized authority on the Church and family life. The mother of three sons in their 40s, Kathy is a veteran director of parish religious education programs, and from 1977-1983 she was associate director of the Catholic Diocese of Spokane's Family Life Office. Kathy received a bachelor’s in Theology from Gonzaga University and a master’s in Religious Education from Fordham University. She is a former director of L'Arche Spokane. Kathy was a visiting and adjunct instructor in the Religious Studies Department at Gonzaga University. She has also taught in the Sociology Department at Spokane Falls Community College. With her husband, Mitch, Kathy co-authored the award-winning book, “Christian Families in the Real World: Reflections on a Spirituality for the Domestic Church.” She is also the author of “Dear God: Prayers for Families With Children,” “Amen! Prayers for Families With Children,” “Prayers for the Newly Married,” “More Savoring God” and many other books and booklets.

Mitch Finley is the author of 30+ books on Roman Catholic theological topics and spirituality, all written to appeal to both non-academic and academic readers. Mitch holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Santa Clara University and an M.A. in Theology from Marquette University. He and Kathy Finley have been married since 1974 and are the parents of three grown sons. To learn more, visit his website.

Troy Fitzgerald is a pastor, teacher, writer and coach. He is married to his wife Julia, and together they have raised two amazing sons, and a few animals along the way. He holds a bachelor’s in theology from Southern College in Tennessee, a master’s in education, and a doctorate in leadership from Andrews University. Over the past 30 years, Troy has written books, curricula and devotional resources focused on Christian living. He was raised in California’s Silicon Valley — and 10 years in the south and Midwest. After 25 years serving at Walla Walla University as a pastor and professor, he now serves as lead pastor of the Wenatchee Seventh-day Adventist Church and lives in Wenatchee, Washington. He enjoys all sports, especially soccer, while golf remains more of a struggle than a sport. When time allows, he is slowly restoring a 1973 Land Cruiser. He writes with an earnest desire to listen and learn, trusting that expression is the bridge between thoughtful attention and faithful action.

Nick Gier lives in Moscow, Idaho. He holds a doctorate in philosophical theology from the Claremont Graduate University. His major professors were James M. Robinson, New Testament scholar and editor of the Gnostic Gospels, and John B. Cobb, the world’s foremost process theologian. He taught in the philosophy department at the University of Idaho for 31 years. He was coordinator of religious studies from 1980-2003. He has written five books and over 70 articles and book chapters. Read his articles on religion at nfgier.com/religion. He's enjoyed two sabbaticals and one research leave in India for a total of 22 months in that country. He can be reached at ngier006@gmail.com.

In March 2026, Paul will have completed 30 years as a faith/values writer, and he has plans to keep writing! After almost 37 years in Sandpoint, ID, Paul and his wife moved to Hillsboro, OR in March 2025, to be close to their son and family. They live in a retirement community, where Paul’s professional back as a retired United Methodist pastor and also a retired geriatric social worker, have been welcomed and are grist for the writing-mill on matters of spirituality, politics and aging.

Mark Griswold is a recent convert from evangelical Christianity to Catholicism. Originally from Seattle, he now lives in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with his wife and three sons. He’s a writer, ghostwriter, book editor, publisher and writing coach. He has written scores of poems, hundreds of essays, dozens of shorts stories and a novel. He's also hosted two radio programs, one airing Greek music and the other a talk show covering history, world culture, food and politics. When not writing, he loves the outdoors and participating in scouting activities with his sons, world travel and being a lifelong learner of history, religion, literature, public policy and philosophy. You can find his essays and other non-fiction at instaurare.com and his poetry and fiction at allofitstrue.com.

Maimoona Harrington was born and raised in Pakistan. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies. As a practicing Muslim with extensive world travel and living in the West, she has devoted herself to spread awareness of Islam as a goodwill gesture. In an effort to do this, she started writing from her own personal experiences with religion, beliefs and life in a different culture. She also has special interest in all the religions and how and why they are all important to its followers. Her primary focus is on the co-existence and harmony between all human beings. Her message is to spread peace not division. She strongly believes that if you want to be closer to your creator then love His creation unconditionally and expect nothing in return for He loves us unconditionally and forgives us no matter how sinful we are!

Although an anthropologist by training, Sarah homeschooled her four children for 20 years before beginning work as a writer. She and her husband, Dan, have been married for over 30 years and split their time between their home in Pendleton, Oregon, and Caernarfon, Wales. Sarah's columns on the Baha'i Faith represent her own views and not any official position.

Sarah Henn Hayward is a voracious reader, a deep thinker, a curious learner, a nature lover, a former Christian, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a loyal friend. She is the author of a spiritual memoir, “Giving Up God: Resurrecting an Identity of Love & Wonder,” and two children’s chapter books, “Sedona and the Sloth” and "Boston and the Beaver.” Her newsletter at sarahhennhayward.com highlights thought-provoking books concerning marginalized communities. She lives in Spokane, Washington, with her husband Dan, and their two children.

Walter Hesford, born and educated in New England, gradually made his way West. For many years he was a professor of English at the University of Idaho, save for stints teaching in China and France. At Idaho, he taught American Literature, World Literature and the Bible as Literature. He currently coordinates an interfaith discussion group and is a member of the Latah County Human Rights Task Force and Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Moscow. He and his wife Elinor enjoy visiting with family and friends and hunting for wild flowers.

Matthew Kincanon is a communications coordinator with a journalism and political science degree from Gonzaga University. His journalism experience includes the Gonzaga Bulletin, The Spokesman-Review, Art Chowder, Trending Northwest, Religion Unplugged and FāVS News. He loves being a freelancer for FāVS because, having been born and raised in Spokane, he wants to learn more about the various religious communities and cultures in his hometown, especially Indigenous communities.

Terry Kyllo is the executive director of Paths to Understanding: Gathering Neighbors, Growing Trust. He is passionate about renewing civil society and democracy by helping communities build trust across deep divides—because he believes we are living too divided, and we do not have to live this way. A Lutheran pastor, Terry works through local practice, media, and public leadership to bring neighbors back into relationship, so we can build a world where everyone belongs and everyone can thrive.

Janet Marugg is an avid gardener, reader and writer living in Clarkston, Washington, with her husband, Ed, and boxer dog, Poppy. She is a nature lover, a lifelong learner and a secular humanist. She can be reached at janetmarugg7@gmail.com.

Morf Morford is a writer, teacher, poet and self-described word-nerd based in the Pacific Northwest. A former editor of the Tacoma Daily Index, he has spent decades as a community storyteller and advocate for the oddities of earthly existence. He describes his faith as a flickering flame — one that resists certainty and keeps moving. He is 98% vegan.

Pastor Katy McCallum Sachse serves as Lead Pastor of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Kirkland, Washington, just a few blocks from where some of the earliest COVID cases in the U.S. were diagnosed in early 2020. She is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and Luther Seminary. She is a native of the Pacific Northwest, an avid reader and coffee drinker, and an eternally optimistic fan of the Seattle Mariners.

Daniel Pschaida hails from San Diego and married into the Spokane area where he has made his home since 2017. Passionate about Spokane’s interfaith movement, basketball, Harry Potter books and nature hikes with his wife Tiara, he also teaches comparative religion at Gonzaga University and history at Eastern Washington University. You can also sometimes find his shared, personal reflections on the Baha'i writings on his blog.

Tracy Simmons is an award-winning journalist specializing in religion reporting and digital entrepreneurship. In her approximate 20 years on the religion beat, Simmons has tucked a notepad in her pocket and found some of her favorite stories aboard cargo ships in New Jersey, on a police chase in Albuquerque, in dusty Texas church bell towers, on the streets of New York and in tent cities in Haiti. Simmons has worked as a multimedia journalist for newspapers across New Mexico, Texas, Connecticut and Washington. She is the executive director of FāVS.News, a digital journalism start-up covering religion news and commentary in Spokane, Washington. She also writes for The Spokesman-Review and national publications. She is a Scholarly Associate Professor of Journalism at Washington State University.

Susie Leonard Weller holds a master's degree in pastoral ministry and works as a certified life and spiritual coach. Learn more about her at website.

Patrick McCormick received his doctorate in moral theology from the Gregorian University (Rome) and was professor of religious studies at Gonzaga University for 30 years. He is the author of five books on Christian ethics, including "God’s Beauty: A Call to Justice," dozens of articles in the same field and a column on Christianity and culture for the magazine U.S. Catholic for nearly two decades. He is currently retired in Spokane and belongs to St. Ann’s Catholic parish.

Lisa has a journalism degree from California State University, Northridge. She looks back on her career to date fondly having worked in various California broadcast news organizations, insurance public affairs and at both Washington State University and the University of Idaho. Lisa loves learning and has a passion for helping and giving to others. Born and raised in Northern California, Lisa resides in Post Falls near the Spokane River now. She cherishes the people, the vibe and the natural beauty that the Inland Northwest region offers. Her spiritual growth is a blessing in her life and continues to offer a pathway for living peacefully with herself and others.

The Rev. Elizabeth Stevens, Ph.D., has served as the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church since 2012. She is the current minister of Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse. She's a graduate of Yale University, Starr King School for the Ministry and San Francisco Theological Seminary. Her doctoral work focused on trauma's impact on congregational systems. She's the mother of two grown sons, an avid hiker and an amateur musician. Her guiding question in life is "what is the most loving thing I can do right now?"

Dorothy-Ann Parent (better known as Hyphen) is a writer, a traditional Jew, a seeker of justice, a lover of stories and someone who’s best not left unattended in a bookshop or animal shelter.

The Right Reverend Gretchen M. Rehberg, Ph.D., D.Min. was ordained and consecrated March 18, 2017, as ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane.

An award-winning journalist and public relation professional, Rebecca "Becky" Tallent was a journalism faculty member at the University of Idaho for 13 years before her retirement in 2019. Tallent earned her B.A. and M.Ed. degrees in journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma and her Educational Doctorate in Mass Communications from Oklahoma State University. She is of Cherokee descent and is a member of both the Indigenous Journalists Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. She and her husband, Roger Saunders, live in Moscow, Idaho, with their two cats.

Lawrence Pintak, Ph.D., is an award-winning journalist, academic leader and media development expert who has reported from four continents and led projects aimed at bolstering journalistic professionalism and independence in the Middle East, South Asia, Africa and the Caucasus. He served as dean of the Graduate School of Media and Communications at The Aga Khan University in East Africa, founding dean of The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University, helped establish Pakistan’s Centre for Excellence in Journalism, and directed the Arab world’s leading media training center in the years leading up to the Arab Spring. A former CBS News Middle East correspondent, Pintak is the author of seven books at the intersection of media, religion, democracy and international relations, and he was named a Fellow of the Society of Professional Journalists in 2017 for “extraordinary service to the profession of journalism” around the world. Two of his latest books are "Lessons from the Mountaintop: Ten Modern Mystics and Their Extraordinary Lives" and "America & Islam." He holds a doctorate in Islamic studies. Follow him on social media @lpintak and LawrencePintak.Substack.com.

Patrick Scriven is the director of communications for the Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church, where he leads storytelling, media strategy and public-facing communication across a regional network of congregations and ministry partners. He supports conference-wide events and initiatives, produces editorial and digital content, and helps leaders communicate clearly in moments of celebration, change and crisis. Patrick currently lives in the Puyallup Valley, where he is a pastor’s spouse and the father of three amazing children.

Venerable Tenzin Tsepal met Venerable Thubten Chodron, founder of Sravasti Abbey, in Seattle and studied Buddhism with her from 1995 to 1999. During that time, Venerable Tsepal attended the Life as a Western Buddhist Nun conference in Bodhgaya, India in 1996 as a lay supporter. An interest in ordination surfaced after she completed a three-month meditation retreat in 1998. She lived in India for two years while continuing to explore monastic life. In 2001, she received sramanerika (novice) ordination from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. While Venerable Tsepal was in India, some Australians friends introduced her to the 5 year Buddhist Studies Program at Chenrezig Institute (CI) north of Brisbane, Queensland, where she subsequently lived and engaged in intensive residential study from 2002-2015. As the Western Teacher at CI, she tutored weekend teachings and retreats, and taught the Discovering Buddhism courses. Prior to ordaining, Venerable Tsepal completed a degree in Dental Hygiene, and then pursued graduate school in hospital administration at the University of Washington. Not finding happiness in 60 hour work weeks, she was self-employed for 10 years as a Reiki teacher and practitioner. Now a member of the resident community at Sravasti Abbey, Venerable Tsepal is compiling and editing the many years of Venerable Chodron’s teachings on monastic training as well as leading a review on the Buddhist philosophical tenets for the residents.