Check out WATER’s newest book recommendations
Tap into what we’re reading at WATER in Spring 2025 here!
Women-Church Convergence
Welcomes Pope Leo XIV
June 2025
Women-Church Convergence, a coalition of autonomous Catholic-rooted feminist groups working to build just social and ecclesial structures, welcomes Pope Leo XIV as a colleague in ministry and a partner for peace.
We hope that he will walk the path of Pope Francis, Dorothy Day, Hildegard of Bingen, and Brigit of Ireland as an openhearted, openminded pastor in the common struggle for peace in a bellicose world.
We pray that he will embrace the Holy Spirit’s assurance that women, girls, and non-binary people are equal to men in love, compassion, and ability and thus eligible for all ordained ministries and decision-making processes in the Roman Catholic Church.
We invite Pope Leo to join people of good will from many starting points who champion equality, diversity, and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community and who foster safe, abuse-free churches.
We look forward to his collaboration and offer our commitment to work tirelessly on these values that we uphold.
We extend warm wishes for his global ministry.
Upcoming Programs
Tea & Conversation
“Tea & Conversation for Women, Nonbinary, and Female-Identified People”
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 3-5 pm ET
As part of Dignity USA and colleagues’ World Pride celebrations in Washington, DC, WATER welcomes warmly women, nonbinary, and female-identified friends and colleagues for a spot of tea and a chance to chat, hosted by WATER at our office, 8121 Georgia Ave #310, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Registration required.
WATERtalk
WATERtalk on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 1 pm ET
“Interns Shaping WATER”
Former WATER interns and staff will gather by Zoom to discuss the impact of WATER on their lives and careers. Their insights into what WATER can contribute to a conflicted world will be welcome. This program is specific to these wonderful people who have been on WATER’s staff. We will report to the larger community afterwards. Stay tuned!
WATERritual
WATERritual Tuesday, June 24, at 7:30 pm ET
“Pride: Standing Up for Who We Are and In What We Believe” with Diann L. Neu and WATER staff
Pride Month gives us the opportunity to rejoice in the struggles of LGBTQIA+ people and advocates for social justice, and to celebrate the powerful impact LGBTQIA+ people have throughout the world. We come together at a time of rising threats to the rights of queer people, women, and people of color especially when it comes to education and security. We will remember who and what we are proud of as we embrace one another’s existence and accomplishments, now more than ever.
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 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.
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.