"A Model of Mutuality": A Conversation with Natalia Imperatori-Lee on May 9

"A Model of Mutuality": A Conversation with Natalia Imperatori-Lee on May 9 Detail of fresco depicting St. Erasmus, St. Hildegard, and a bishop, ca. 1500. The Church of Our Lady, Oberwesel, Germany Join us on Thursday, May 9, at 6:00 p.m. ET for a conversation with Dr. Natalia Imperatori-Lee about her latest book, Women and the Church: From Devil’s Gateway to Discipleship (Paulist Press, 2024). Women and the Churchhas been enthusiastically received by members of our TAC small Christian community, and with good reason: it provides a detailed overview of the overlap between religion and feminism, examines often overlooked examples of women in biblical tradition, and suggests numerous ways to reconstruct problematic theological, ecclesiological, cultural, and spiritual symbols of femininity in a more liberating way. In our conversation, we’ll look at how women have functioned as “resisters, revisers, and renouncers” throughout church history to bring about necessary change; learn about the rich field of feminist spirituality, including the relationship between feminism, ecology, and ecumenism; and explore how these themes relate to current issues in the Catholic Church such as women’s ordination and the rise of alternative ecclesial communities. We'll also touch on ways that poetry and narrative help reshape our vision of the church, and consider how to create "a model of mutuality" where each person contributes their unique gifts "for the good of all." This event is free and open to all. Donations are graciously accepted and can be made here. Registration is required and is available at the button below. Register Here Natalia Imperatori-Lee is professor of religious studies at Manhattan College in Riverdale, Bronx, New York. Her areas of research include the relationship between Catholic theology, sexuality, and education; the intersection of Mariology and ecclesiology; intercultural theology; gender studies; and the relationship of women, the poor, and other marginalized groups to church structure and governance. Dr. Imperatori-Lee is the author of Cuéntame (Orbis Books, 2018), which explores how narratives shape ecclesiology. She holds degrees from Fordham University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Notre Dame. Save the Date: A Convocation for Richard McBrien on May 20 Save the date for a special convocation on the life and work of Richard McBrien that we will be hosting on Monday, May 20! Friends, colleagues, and former students of this esteemed Catholic theologian will gather to discuss their relationship to his work and what it might say to the synodal church of today. Further details to come!