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It would be easy for Rosemary Radford Ruether to dismiss efforts like the Mormon Ordain Women movement as old news.

After all, Ruether, a pioneer in Catholic feminism, has been talking about gender equality in her own tradition since the 1960s. She has written or edited nearly 50 books, including her 1993 classic, "Sexism and God Talk," and a three-volume "Encyclopedia of Women and Religion in North America."

But the 77-year-old writer, theologian and senior scholar at the Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, Calif., continues to bring her vast knowledge of Christian history, scripture and activism to a wide audience and to celebrate every move toward equality.

On March 1, Ruether will be speaking at a one-day, multifaith conference at Salt Lake City's Main Library, "We Will Sing and Not Be Silent: Women, Faith Traditions and Leadership." Her address is titled "Women's History: The Struggle Against Exclusion."

Organizers of the conference, co-sponsored by the University of Utah and the library, asked Ruether to keynote this symposium "because of the depth and breadth of her scholarship and activism," says Christina Gringeri, professor in the U.'s College of Social Work. "We believe she will offer a thought-provoking presentation that will spark great discussion among people of all backgrounds."

The symposium also features a multifaith panel discussion on gender equality with Catholic "womanpriest" Victoria Rue, along with Chelsea Shields Strayer of Ordain Women; Maeera Shreiber, Congregation Kol Ami; and Maysa Kergaye, Utah Islamic Speakers Bureau.

That will be followed by a screening of the 90-minute film, "Pink Smoke Over the Vatican."

"We hope this conference will plant seeds for ongoing dialogues," Gringeri says, "around issues of gender and justice, respectful stewardship of the Earth, and collaborative activism among Utahns." —

Multifaith Conference

What • "We Will Sing and Not Be Silent: Women, Faith Traditions and Leadership"

When • March 1, 12:30 to 6 p.m.

Where • Salt Lake City's Main Library auditorium

How much • Free