Suzanne Dunn: A Roman Catholic Womanpriest Celebrates Mass in Santa Barbara, California

"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.