Mount St. Mary’s University Hosts Interfaith Forum: Women’s Wisdom and Faith-Based Leadership Across Traditions
Report by Xin Gong, The Life News Agency, Los Angeles, USA
Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles hosted its second annual Interfaith Forum Luncheon on April 9 under the theme “Women’s Wisdom Across Traditions.” Venerable Jue Huang, Director of the Department of Social Education and Outreach at Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple, attended as a representative of Buddhism. The event brought together nearly 100 participants, including women religious leaders from diverse faith traditions, university faculty, staff, and students. Through dialogue and shared experiences, participants explored women’s spiritual wisdom and leadership roles within their respective religious traditions, attracting attendees from both the university and the wider community.
Dr. Christie de la Gandara, representing the organizer, stated that the event was designed to recognize the profound influence women have long held within religious and community life. Women not only preserve spiritual wisdom and sustain communities but also play a vital role in shaping humanity’s moral values. The forum emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue, seeking common wisdom and shared values amid diversity to foster greater understanding and unity.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Linda McMurdock, Vice President of Mount St. Mary’s University, highlighted the university’s mission of cultivating women leaders. She encouraged students to serve society with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Organized by the Office of Campus Ministry and Spiritual Life, the event featured a distinguished panel of women faith leaders, including a Lutheran bishop, a Jewish rabbi, a Buddhist educator, a Hindu monastic practitioner, and a Muslim community leader. Each shared insights and experiences regarding women’s spirituality and leadership within their traditions.
Representing Hinduism, Pravajika Saradeshaprana explained that spirituality transcends gender, and that both men and women possess equal potential for spiritual growth and realization. She also emphasized the symbolic significance of motherhood, noting its profound influence on spiritual development. The maternal archetype inspires qualities such as love, service, compassion, patience, self-sacrifice, and unconditional care, while also embodying strength and protection without anger. In Hindu tradition, motherhood is regarded as sacred; rivers are honored as mothers, and the Divine is often worshipped as the Cosmic Mother. Through festivals and acts of reverence toward young girls, Hinduism expresses the belief that women embody the sacred.
Representing Buddhism, Venerable Jue Huang explained that during the Buddha’s time, both bhikkhu and bhikkhuni orders were established, demonstrating that men and women alike could freely enter the monastic community for spiritual cultivation. This reflects the Buddhist teaching that Buddha-nature transcends gender and that all beings possess the potential to attain Buddhahood.
Venerable Jue Huang cited Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī, the Buddha’s aunt and foster mother, as an example. Although her initial request to join the monastic order was denied, she remained steadfast in her aspiration. After shaving her head and donning monastic robes, she undertook a long journey to request ordination once again. With the support of the Sangha and the principle of equality, her request was ultimately granted, leading to the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Order. After ordination, she attained enlightenment, demonstrating that women possess the same capacity for spiritual practice and awakening as men. This historic event marked a significant milestone for women’s spiritual cultivation more than 2,600 years ago and continues to inspire people to persevere in their ideals, pursue equality, and embody resilience.
Lutheran Bishop Brenda Bos highlighted the beloved Christian hymn, The Magnificat, to illustrate women’s strength and inspiration within faith traditions. Following the Annunciation, Mary responded with a song of praise, drawing upon Hannah’s prayer and proclaiming God’s transformative justice: the powerful are brought low, the humble are lifted, and the oppressed are elevated. This enduring message symbolizes the pursuit of justice and equality, a mission that continues today. Bishop Bos emphasized that women’s religious leadership often centers on promoting social transformation and realizing justice. She also reflected that Christianity, often viewed as one of the world’s most influential religions, must continually return to humility and reexamine the true meaning of power and faith.
At the conclusion of the forum, the moderator invited each panelist to offer a single word of blessing for the audience. Their responses included “Courage,” “Depth,” “Patience,” “Equanimity,” “Service,” and “Unity,” symbolizing the shared vision of women’s leadership across faith traditions.
Through this event, organizers hope to encourage greater awareness of women’s roles in religion and society, and inspire participants to apply the wisdom shared during the forum in their daily lives. By continuing to serve and care for others, they can help bring greater peace and hope to the world.
