The Story of Bob | The Life and Times of Rev. Robert W. Wood (Law)

Coming in February 2026

"[Bob's] story is one of persistence in an authoritarian hostile period of intolerance."

—Robert Shore-Goss (Queering Christ)

"Rev. Robert W. Wood was a pioneer advocate for gay and lesbian rights within church and society. This biography is a must-read."

—Bernard Schlager (Center for LGBTQ & Gender Studies, PSR)

LGBTQ Rights Trailblazer

From "the greatest generation" comes the true story of a World War II veteran and ordained minister whose public advocacy for social justice was segmented from his private life as a gay man. The biography of Robert W. Wood is the captivating story of a man before his time, who strove to live & love authentically and advocated for the gay community in church & society.

Bob Wood was a trailblazer in the LGBTQ rights movement, Active in the Mattachine Society, he published his book Christ and the Homosexual in 1960 under his own name at great risk. Wood participated in protests against the federal government's ban on gay employees. He pushed the United Church of Christ to embrace the cause of gay rights—a struggle that ultimately led to the formation of the UCC's Open & Affirming Coalition.

A Story for The Present Moment

Today, the pursuit of living “more fully and authentically” is a quest that crosses terrains of social influences and self-image, intersecting with political strains for liberation and well-being. As authoritarianism swells its censorship of LGBTQ stories and bodies, The Story of Bob remembers the work of resistance against similar terrains strewn with legal landmines that restricted who could be fully themselves, and how, and where.

"May the truth of Bob's life inspire new voices of resistance in these dangerous times."

—Bill Johnson (founder, UCC Open & Affirming Coalition)

The Story of Bob is based on interviews that the author, Steven C. Law, conducted with Rev. Wood. Law's lucid prose makes for a compelling, page-turning read.

Preorder today, ships in the new year.

About the Author

Steven C. Law is president of the Law Stroud Foundation. He believes that "love and knowledge best encourage us toward maximizing our potential on earth."

2026
Paperback, 278 pages
United Church Press
ISBN 978-0-8298-2920-4