"With her welcoming smile and no-nonsense short gray
hairdo, the Rev.
Suzanne Dunn doesn’t exactly fit the profile of a radical rabble-rouser. But
this Carpinteria resident is one about 125 ordained Roman Catholic Womenpriests worldwide who are working to bring
about a more inclusive version of the Catholic Church.
As leader of the Catholic Church of the Beatitudes Santa Barbara, Dunn and her
congregation celebrate weekly Mass at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays at First Congregational Church of Santa Barbara,
2101 State St. They honor the history and sacramental tradition of the Catholic
Church while opening up the communion table to all seekers of faith, including
gays and divorced people who are not allowed to partake in traditional Catholic
communion.
“All are welcome at the table — divorced, gay,
everyone,” Dunn said. “We do not keep out anyone.
“It’s such a relief to people to not be judged and
not be told that somebody’s going to make the decision for them. We truly
believe that anybody who comes to church is an adult and can make their own
adult decisions.”
— Noozhawk contributing writer Leslie Dinaberg can be reached
atleslie@lesliedinaberg.com.
Follow her on Twitter: @LeslieDinaberg.
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