Theological Writings by Mary E. Hunt
Catholic Church’s ‘Theological Pornography’ Continues to Harm LGBTQI+ People 40 Years On.
Upcoming Programs
WATERmeditation
Monday, November 9, 2026, 7:30 PM ET
“What Time Is It?”
with Lillian Lewis, Theologian and Roman Catholic Woman Priest
Lillian will lead us on being held in the palm of a hand. Her approach is always unique and challenging, a kind of spiritual brilliance all its own.
WATERtalk
Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 1 PM ET
“Lesbian Feminist Killjoys: Sin, Queer Negativity, and Inherited Guilt”
with Wendy Mallette
Wendy Mallette is Assistant Professor of Contemporary American Christianities at the University of Oklahoma, and a former and cherished WATER Intern. WATER is delighted to celebrate her new, hot off the press book, Lesbian Feminist Killjoys: Sin, Queer Negativity, and Inherited Guilt (New York University Press, 2026).
Join us in lively conversation on patriarchy, capitalism, racism and colonialism as found in the work of the four lesbian feminists Wendy analyzes: Beverly Smith, Andrea Dworkin, Pat Parker, and Jill Johnson.
WATERritual
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 7:30pm ET
“Giving Thanks: Nourishment for the Body and Soul”
with Wed Naji and Magdalena Müller
At the end of fall every year, people around the world join together to give thanks for the year’s harvest. During times of uncertainty and conflict, we want to take time to share and reflect on what nourishes our bodies, minds, and spirits. Join us!
Feminist Liberation Theologians’ Network
Friday, November 20, 2026, 4-6 PM MT, In Person
“Artificial Intelligence: Feminist Liberation Theological Perspectives”
The Feminist Liberation Theologians’ Network will convene in conjuction with the American Academy of Religion/Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meetings in Denver, Colorado. We will meet at the Embassy Suites Hotel (adjacent to the Denver Convention Center), 1420 Stout Street in the Redstone Room. All are welcome.
Our topic is Artificial Intelligence: Feminist Liberation Theological Perspectives. This will be a participatory meeting with colleagues encouraged to bring insights from their local situations. Suggested reading is: “Religious Scholars Met with Anthropic. What They Heard Stunned Them” by Elizabeth Dias, 9/29/2026.
This article bears on our central question: What do we feminist liberation theologians/activists bring to the AI discussion? How is what we bring different from and enhancing of the mostly white, male, largely institutionally based religious professionals whom AI owners and managers consult? How can we intensify our impact?
Cindy Lapp at Alumni Tentalk at EMU
WATER is thrilled to announce that Cindy Lapp, longtime WATER staff person and
colleague, received the Distinguished Service Award from Eastern Mennonite University in
October 2026. Cindy is an ordained minister, pastor of the Hyattsville Mennonite Church, and a
social justice activist working on issues of immigration. She is a 1986 gradate in Music Education
from EMU. She puts that training to use both in the congregational setting and in the Washington Women’s Chorale. Congratulations, Cindy, on a well-deserved honor.
Watch Cindy’s acceptance speech at: Watch her part from minutes 37:54- 49:03.
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.
Faithful Provocations
What does it mean to be a person of faith in today’s challenging world? Postcolonial theologian Kwok Pui Lan explores Christianity, social justice, and cross-cultural dialogue — with wit, depth, and a little rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Formerly Kwok ‘n’ Roll channel. Watch the series on YouTube.
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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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.