Marking a New Low in Catholic Theology, Church Still Considers Women Inferior to Men
Mary E. Hunt’s Latest Article
Upcoming Programs
WATERmeditation on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 7:30 pm ET
“The Grace of Endings” with Rosemary B. Ganley
Writer and activist Rosemary B. Ganley of Peterborough, Canada will launch the contemplation with her reflections on “The Grace of Endings” both collective and personal. All are welcome to participate with no previous meditation experience expected.
WATERtalk on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 1 pm ET
“Enfleshing Freedom: Body, Race, and Being” with Dr. Shawn Copeland
Dr. Copeland, Professor Emerita of Systematic Theology at Boston College, will discuss the second edition of her highly acclaimed Enfleshing Freedom: Body, Race, and Being. In this edition, she updates her powerful insights into the human condition reflecting Black women’s historical contributions to justice making.
Join us for a timely and necessary conversation that will help to shape ways forward in the current moral morass.
WATERritual on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 7:30 pm ET
“Witnessing Womanist Wisdom” with Diann L. Neu and the WATER Community
Womanist theologians and ministers are on the forefront of the struggles for liberation. They resist racial, gender, and class discrimination. They create systemic change and challenge others to do the same.
Join the WATER community to learn from among many forms of oppression, to be nourished and inspired by Womanist Wisdom, and to pray to make this world a place of justice, equality, and peace for all.
Art work by Katie Geneva Cannon, 2016.
WATER in the Media
Introducing “Kwok’n Roll” – The Podcast That Sparks Bold Conversations!
Join the incredible Kwok Pui Lan as she kicks off her highly anticipated podcast, Kwok’n Roll! In each episode, Kwok Pui Lan dives deep into captivating conversations with some of the brightest minds of our time—trailblazing intellectuals, fearless religious leaders, passionate activists, and groundbreaking artists. Together, they explore the pressing political, cultural, and religious issues shaping our world today, all while examining the vital role people of faith play in these pivotal conversations. Listen to the podcast on Podbean.
Catholic Feminist Meets the Moment with Mary E. Hunt
Kwok Pui Lan sits down with renowned theologian and feminist scholar, Mary E. Hunt, to explore the intersection of faith, feminism, and social justice.
In this discussion, Mary E. Hunt shares her insights on the evolving role of women in the Catholic Church, the pressing need for gender equality, and how feminist theology is shaping the future of religious discourse.
Don’t miss out on this rich blend of intellectual depth, humor, and passion. Kwok’n Roll – a discourse that makes a difference.
Canadian Broadcasting Cooperation (CBC) Interview:
In an interview with the CBC, feminist theologian Mary E. Hunt urged urgent reform of the papal election process. Co-founder of the Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual (WATER), Hunt explained that the process lacks transparency and needs to be more inclusive. With concern growing about Pope Francis’ health, she stressed the importance of including a far more diverse group of electors, including young people and women. She also commented on the movie “Conclave” lest viewers think they know much more about the secret process. Women were portrayed accurately in the movie as only one had real voice. Surely change is needed.
Intern at WATER
Be a Part of an Action-based Community
Become a WATER Intern
for Winter or Spring!
WATER welcomes students from seminaries, universities, colleges, volunteer programs, and more to work in the WATER office.
Interns at WATER engage in the full range of activities from office work to program planning. They learn how a small non-profit is run and what it takes to nurture an Alliance.
Those wishing to do their own research will have a chance to utilize WATER’s constantly growing Resource Center as well as consult with our experienced staff through in-house seminars.
Interns must commit to a minimum of six weeks and can stay as long as a year or two. The internship is an on-site internship at the WATER office in Silver Spring, MD. All participants are encouraged to apply for academic credit from their home institutions for their work at WATER. We are delighted to work with programs that sponsor volunteers with expenses shared by WATER as the on-site placement.
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Land Acknowledgement
WATER, located in Silver Spring, Maryland, acknowledges that it sits on the traditional and contemporary homeland of the Piscataway and Nacotchtank (sometimes known as the Anacostan) people, the original stewards of this land.
We are committed to lifting up the names of these lands and the community members from these nations who reside alongside us and who were here long before we were. We affirm WATER’s intention to promote healing, respect, and love for all people through our work, with special indebtedness to Native people whose lands we are privileged to share.