Mount St. Mary’s University Hosts Interfaith Forum on Women’s Wisdom and Faith Leadership

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple

Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles hosted its second annual interfaith panel luncheon on April 9, themed “Women’s Wisdom Across Traditions.” Venerable Jue Huang, Head of the Social Education and Outreach Department at Hsi Lai Temple, attended as a representative. The event brought together nearly 100 participants, including female religious leaders from diverse faith traditions, as well as faculty and students, for dialogue on women’s spiritual wisdom and leadership in religious communities.

Dr. Christie de la Gandara, representing the organizers, said the event aimed to recognize the profound and longstanding influence of women in religion and society. Women not only embody spiritual insight and sustain communities, she noted, but also play a vital role in shaping moral values. The forum emphasized the importance of interfaith exchange, seeking shared wisdom across differences to foster understanding and unity.

In her opening remarks, Vice President Dr. Linda McMurdock highlighted the university’s mission to cultivate women leaders, encouraging students to serve society with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Organized by the Office of Campus Ministry and Spirituality, the forum featured panelists from a range of traditions, including a Lutheran bishop, a Jewish rabbi, a Buddhist venerable, a Hindu monastic, and a Muslim community leader, who shared perspectives and lived experiences from their respective faiths.

Representing Hinduism, Pravajika Saradeshaprana emphasized that spirituality transcends gender, with men and women equally capable of spiritual growth and realization. She also highlighted the symbolic role of motherhood in spiritual development, noting that the maternal archetype inspires qualities such as love, service, compassion, patience, self-sacrifice, and unconditional care. In Hindu tradition, motherhood is regarded as sacred—rivers are revered as mothers, and the divine is often worshipped as the Mother of the Universe, with rituals and festivals honoring the sanctity of women and girls.

Venerable Jue Huang of Hsi Lai Temple noted that both monastic orders of monks and nuns were established during the Buddha’s time, demonstrating that individuals of all genders can enter the sangha and pursue enlightenment. She cited Mahaprajapati—the Buddha’s aunt and adoptive mother—as an example. Despite initial rejection, Mahaprajapati persisted, shaving her head and traveling a great distance to request ordination again. With support from the monastic community and the principle of equality, she was eventually accepted, founding the bhikkhuni order and later attaining enlightenment. Her story, Venerable Jue Huang said, represents a milestone in women’s spiritual history more than 2,600 years ago and continues to inspire perseverance and the pursuit of equality.

Lutheran Bishop Brenda Bos pointed to the “Magnificat,” a cherished Christian hymn, as an example of women’s spiritual voice and leadership. In the biblical account, Mary responds to the angel’s announcement with a song praising God’s justice—lifting up the lowly and humbling the powerful. The message, she said, reflects an enduring commitment to justice and equality that remains relevant today.

The forum concluded with panelists offering one-word blessings for attendees, including “courage,” “depth,” “patience,” “equanimity,” “service,” and “unity,” reflecting a shared vision for women’s leadership across religious traditions.