What does Pope Leo mean for synodality? What about women? What about LGBTQ+ Catholics? Why did he choose the name Leo? How will being Augustinian shape his papacy?
As the papacy of Pope Leo XIV begins there are many questions being raised. Join FutureChurch as we welcome an expert panel who are well positioned to offer valuable insights about what may be next for our Church and our world.
After our panelists have had an opportunity to share their opening thoughts, we'll open the floor to you – the FutureChurch community – to share your questions, reflections, hopes, and insights.
Dr. Cynthia Bailey Manns was appointed by the late Pope Francis as lay delegate to the Synod on Synodality, becoming one of the history-making women who voted for the first time at a synod. Dr. Bailey Manns is the Director of Adult Learning at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Community in Minneapolis—a community whose vision is to be a visible, progressive Catholic Community, compassionate and welcoming to all. She holds a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Direction from the Graduate Theological Foundation in Florida and currently serves as Adjunct Faculty at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.
Marianne Duddy-Burke is the executive director of DignityUSA and co-chair of the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics. She has served in leadership positions in the Catholic LGBTQ+ movement since 1985 and was. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including The Washington Post, the New York Times, USA Today, the National Catholic Reporter and The Advocate. Founded in 1969, DignityUSA is the world’s oldest Catholic organization for LGBTQIA+ ministry and advocacy.
Theresa Gardner is originally from Haddon Heights, New Jersey. She received a bachelor's in music and theology from the Catholic University of America and a Master's in Theology and Religious studies from Villanova University. During her time at Villanova, her areas of interest were feminist theology, interfaith studies, ecclesiology, and postcolonial/Decolonial theories. Theresa serves as the Director of Christian Service at Loyola School in New York City.
Brianne Jacobs is Catholic feminist theologian. Her scholarship expresses the faith of Catholic Christianity in light of new and developing science and philosophy of sexual difference, with the goal of liberation and joy for all people across gender. Jacobs hold a BA in Liberal Arts from St. John's College in Annapolis, MD, an MA in Systematic Theology from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and a PhD in Systematic Theology from Fordham University. She is currently assistant professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Emmanuel College in Boston, MA where she coordinates and teaches for the Women and Gender Studies Minor, and has won multiple teaching awards. Jacobs' writing has appeared in Theological Studies and America Magazine. Her first monograph, Holy Body: Gender and Sexual Difference in Theological Anthropology and Ecclesiology, was published in October 2024.