Lama Rod Owens is a self-described “Black Buddhist Southern Queen.” Owens holds a Master of Divinity degree in Buddhist studies from Harvard Divinity School with a focus on the intersection of social change, identity and spiritual practice. Owens is also author of The New Saints: From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors and Love and Rage: […]

Phyllis Zagano is senior research associate-in-residence and professor of religion at Hofstra University. Her books include Just Church: Catholic Social Teaching, Synodality, and Women.

Discerning Deacons is an organization advocating for the diaconal ministry of women, which members view as historically, theologically and anthropologically possible and as a means of church renewal. Contacts include co-directors Casey Stanton ([email protected], English), based in North Carolina, and Ellie Hidalgo ([email protected], English and Spanish), based in Miami.

Anna Peterson is a professor in the department of religion at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on religion and social change, especially Catholicism in Latin America; environmental and social ethics; and animal studies. She has published a number of articles, chapters and book in these areas. Her current research analyzes the role of […]

Katie Bugyis is a professor at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. She is a historian of Christian theology, liturgical practice and material culture. She is the author of The Care of Nuns: Benedictine Women’s Ministries in England During the Central Middle Ages.

Jeana DelRosso is professor of English at Notre Dame of Maryland University. She writes on Catholicism and women’s literature and is the editor of Unruly Catholic Nuns: Sisters’ Stories, with Leigh Eicke and Ana Kothe.

In this edition of ReligionLink, we share relevant stories, sources and resources to help you report on the separation of church and state as it relates to education, Christian nationalism and parental rights in the U.S.

This edition of ReligionLink is dedicated to stories that could possibly top the lists in 2025, providing background, resources and expert sources for you to turn to in the year ahead.

Liz Bucar’s research and writing covers a wide range of topics — from sexual reassignment surgery to the politics of religious clothing — but generally focuses on how a deeper understanding of religious difference can change our sense of what is right and good. She is the author of four books, including Stealing My Religion: […]