What the Roman Catholic Church Needs is a Wholesale Reset, Not a New Pope
What the Roman Catholic Church Needs is a Wholesale Reset, Not a New Pope by Mary E. Hunt for Religion Dispatches 4.25.2025
WATER On the Death of Pope Francis
April 21, 2025
The Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual (WATER) offers condolences to Pope Francis’ family, friends, and his community, the Society of Jesus. He was first and foremost a person who will be missed by many.
Francis championed the dignity and rights of the marginalized especially immigrants, refugees, prisoners, those in war-torn regions, and notably Earth itself, all of which reflect the ravages of human indifference. He condemned nuclear weapons, urged peace on those who wage war, and rejected the capitalist greed that consigns many to grinding poverty. He lived simply, modeling his values from the car he used to the trappings of power he refused to embrace.
Francis initiated a Synodal project to begin the thus far elusive process of dismantling a hierarchical church and creating communities of equality in dialogue. That work, as well as his efforts to eradicate clergy sexual abuse, remain far from finished. Also unfinished is the inclusion of people of all genders and sexual orientations in full membership, ministry, and decision-making in the Church. Women’s moral agency remains unrecognized. These remain goals for those who survive him to accomplish.
We will achieve them with thanks to Francis for his efforts to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.”
May Francis’ memory inspire generations of justice-seekers.
Diann L. Neu, Mary E. Hunt,
Magdalena Müller, Wed Naji, Emily Neufeld, Anali North Martin
The WATER Staff
Recent WATER Doings: Interns Visit Partner Organization in San Francisco
Connecting Women Leaders to Drive Social Change
Learn more about WATER’s collaborations and our interns’ work reading the Mary’s Pence article written by Wed and Magdalena.
“Learn How Mary’s Pence is Connecting Women Leaders to Drive Social Change”
Upcoming Programs
WATERtalk
WATERtalk on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 1 PM ET
Feminist Liberation Theologians’ Network Mid-Year Meeting
“What in the World is Going On?”
ALL ARE WELCOME
FLTN will convene to assess the current US government debacle with attention to those who are marginalized, especially women, non-binary people, and children. We will look at the implications of massive budget cuts and firings, the surveillance state (hat tip: Victoria Rue), and the global impact of these actions for a wary and weary world. Bottom line: FLTN will continue to welcome all and explore the hard issues in a spirit of solidarity.
WATERritual
WATERritual Tuesday, May 27, at 7:30 pm ET
“Breathe, Slow Down, Cherish Life” with Diann L. Neu and the WATER Staff
When daily life is hard and unpredictable, it is important to hold on to faith, recognize beauty, and cherish relationships. We will take time during this Mental Health Awareness Month to pause, be mindful, and acknowledge the positive within us and around us.
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.
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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 for as long as a year or two. 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 which 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.