Recent WATER Offerings
First Female Archbishop of Canterbury a Bittersweet Moment for Catholic Women
Mary E. Hunt’s Latest Article
“Our cheers were for Archbishop Sarah, but also for our peers who minister despite excommunication and patriarchal stupidity.” – Mary E. Hunt
Is America Actually a Christian Nation?
In this episode of Faithful Provocations, theologians Kwok Pui Lan and Mary E. Hunt take on one of the most urgent questions of our time: What happens when the boundaries between church and state collapse?
Upcoming Programs
WATERmeditation
Monday, June 8, 2026, 7:30 PM ET
“Mindful” with Cheryl Nichols
Cheryl Nichols will lead the meditation using Mary Oliver’s poem “Mindful.” Cheryl notes, “this poem has helped me to have a heightened awareness of the beautiful life around me and within myself. I hope it does the same for you.”
The image is a photo Cheryl took in France.
WATERtalk
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
The Vatican and Women Deacons with Phyllis Zagano
When Roman Catholic women are ordained as deacons, Phyllis Zagano will be credited with the win. Her meticulous scholarship and tireless chronicling of a process that never should have taken this much time and this much wrangling will be the documents of record. Join her for a WATER conversation about her latest publication, The Vatican and Women Deacons (Orbis Books, 2026). Insights hint at much larger issues than simply women deacons.
WATERritual
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 7:30 PM ET
Celebrate Summer Solstice with Diann L. Neu and the WATER Community
The Summer Solstice (June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, December 21 in the Southern) is the absolute peak of solar power. This is the longest day and shortest night of the year. Nature is at the summit of its sumptuousness. This is a magical time when wishes are made and can come true. It is a significant turning point in the Wheel of the Year. Join us to celebrate!
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.
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!
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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.