Media Advisory
As hundreds of bishops, priests, and invited members gather in Rome for the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops October 4-29, experts from Santa Clara University (SCU) and its Jesuit School of Theology (JST) are available for interviews on topics likely to arise from the Synod on Synodality.
Email or call to reach the experts below:
Deborah Lohse: dlohse@scu.edu (408-768-6898/cell), Santa Clara University
Preston Carmack (pcarmack@scu.edu or 541-908-1696/cell) Jesuit School of Theology
Experts
Agbonkhianmeghe E. (“Bator”) Orobator, S.J., Dean of Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University
- Fr. Bator will be in Rome as a voting member of the October General Assembly, after having been a participant in the African continental synodal gathering. He is known internationally for his scholarship and talks on ecclesiology—the study of the Church—as well as theological ethics, human rights, and human dignity, especially fuller participation of women in the life of the Church.
- Fr. Orobator can discuss: Importance of the Global South; Synodal Process; the concept of “Spiritual Conversation”; the Role of Women; Young People; Leadership
Note: Upon request, SCU can provide photos and B-roll of Fr. Bator giving a homily at Mission Santa Clara Church, via Dropbox.
Julie Rubio, Professor of Christian Social Ethics and Associate Dean, Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University
- Prof. Rubio is a professor of Christian ethics whose research focuses on family, feminism, sex, and politics. She’s a prolific author on the topics of feminist theology and family ethics.
- Can discuss: Women Deacons; LGBTQ+ Catholics; Divorced Catholics; Families of all types.
Christopher Hadley, S.J., Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Jesuit School of Theology
- Fr. Hadley researches and teaches theology of the priesthood, ecclesiology, and pneumatology (the study of the Holy Spirit), among other subjects.
- Can discuss: History of synods v. Councils like Vatican II; Pope’s call to “be open to the Holy Spirit”; Theology of the priesthood/married priests; Women Deacons
Elyse Raby, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Santa Clara University
- Prof. Raby’s research is in the areas of ecclesiology and theological anthropology, as well as feminist theology and issues of gender and sexuality
- Can discuss: History of Synods; Role of Women; Married Clergy; Women Deacons; LGBTQ+; Single adults in the life of the church
