(3/10/09)  The Theology and Religious Studies Department at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn., and the Feminist Theologies Committee of the St. Scholastica Monastery are hosting feminist author and theologian Dr. Susan Ross for a talk on “Seeking Light and Beauty: Women, Justice and Sacramentality” on March 20. Dr. Ross is a theology professor at Loyola University Chicago. In a critique of Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, Dr. Ross disagrees with fundamental Church teaching including the prohibition against artificial contraception, suggesting that it does not do “justice to the complexity of married sexuality.” She takes fault with this teaching because, in her view, “moral struggles and anguish” have resulted. Dr. Ross sees great benefits resulting for married couples using contraception, also saying “I do not think that such an outcome would be associated with significant periods of abstinence.” Furthermore, she disagrees with Catholic teaching on an all male priesthood. In January 2009 she stated in a lecture: “[B]arring women from ordained ecclesial leadership on the basis [of a]... unique or special nature, suggests a kind of ‘separate but equal’ mentality that experience shows is nearly always unjust.” She goes on to say, “I, as a Roman Catholic, find my own tradition’s arguments against women’s ordination to be faulty.” Ross’ works include her 2001 Extravagant Affections: A Feminist Sacramental Theology. An associate theology professor from the College of St. Scholastica said, “I think the audience will find Dr. Ross’ talk both nourishing and challenging.” Source: College of St. Scholastica