Marking a New Low in Catholic Theology, Church Still Considers Women Inferior to Men
Mary E. Hunt’s Latest Article
Upcoming Programs
WATERmeditation
WATERmeditation on Monday, April 13, 2026, 7:30 PM ET
“Rest in the Time of Chaos: It’s Mine and You Can’t Have It or Me!”
with Jeanne Christensen, RSM
In the midst of wars and turbulence, Jeanne Christensen invites contemplation on taking care of oneself and one’s community by resting. A welcome thought.
WATERtalk
WATERtalk on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 1:30 PM ET
with Ashley M. Purpura on her new book Women in the Orthodox Tradition: Feminism, Theology, and Equality (Notre Dame, 2025) with Fordham University doctoral student Rachel Contos responding.
Dr. Purpura is associate professor of Religious Studies in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and the director of the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program at Purdue University. Her research on gender and power from a feminist perspective is the first comprehensive study of feminist theology within the Orthodox tradition. Rachel Contos, a doctoral student at Fordham University, will offer an expert response.
Join WATER in welcoming these colleagues who are breaking new ground in their tradition. Use this link to get a 20% discount on this landmark book: https://undpress.nd.edu/9780268209223/women-in-the-orthodox-tradition/
Code 14FF20
WATERritual
WATERritual on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 7:30 pm ET
“Celebrate Earth Day: Our Power, Our Planet”
with Diann L. Neu and the WATER Community
Earth Day, April 22, is set aside to remind us to cherish planet Earth. All over the world people are making connections between ecology, war, and their own lives. Join the WATER community to experience our connection with the pain and power of creation. This ritual will challenge all to think green and live an ecologically sensitive lifestyle to help the planet survive.
WATER 4th Annual Essay Contest
WATER is delighted to announce our 4th annual Essay Contest. The WATER Essay Contest 2026 is an invitation to writers at all stages to submit 650 words on a topic related to feminist work for social change that springs from spiritual commitments. At a time when wars rage, we need all of the thoughtful, inspiring, and practical input we can find, including yours!
Previous winning essays can be found at: https://www.waterwomensalliance.org/programs/water-essay-contest/
Inspiration: Rosemary Burns Ganley
Rosemary Burns Ganley is a Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, feminist activist and writer whose regular columns in The Peterborough Examiner reach a wide audience and create lively conversation. She was inducted into the Order of Canada for her consistent work for justice, especially for women. She writes for a broad audience with a light but very well-informed touch. It works! For a sample of her work, see her blog: https://yellowdragonflypress.weebly.com/columns.
Guidlines
Like Rosemary’s columns, no themes are off the table for this contest. Just write with verve. Inform the reader. Leave no doubt about your own position on the matter. Readers are smart but not experts, so treat them that way. Humor helps. Rosemary suggests that for broad audiences we:
“Skip the ‘God talk’ and let justice, fairness, decency, and democracy carry the day. Spiritual values and images will be evident in creative ways.”
Registration: First, register with all your information using the contact form. You can find the contact form here: https://www.waterwomensalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/Rosemary-Ganley-Essay-Contest-Contact-Form.docx. Please submit it to waterstaff@hers.com.
- Deadline: Your essay must be submitted by April 20, 2026 to waterstaff@hers.com with the subject: Rosemary Ganley Essay Contest 2026.
- Word Count: Essays of more than 650 words will not be considered.
Find further guidlines here: Rosemary Ganley Essay Contest – WATER – Womens Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual
Evaluation Process
- Your submitted essay will be evaluated by a WATER Committee.
- Up to three writers will receive $650 each for their successful essays.
- Winners will be announced by late April/early May 2026. Essays chosen for the prizes will be published on WATER’s website.
Questions? If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mary E. Hunt at mhunt@hers.com.
Submit your essay by April 20, 2026 to waterstaff@hers.com.
Good luck, and thank you for your writing that makes a difference!
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.
What is WATER? 40 Years and Forward!
Connect with the WATER Community!
Stay updated with WATER news, events, programs and more!
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.