Biographies

Kathleen McPhillips lectures in gender studies and social analysis at the University of Western Sydney. She has written extensively on issues of religion and feminism as well as being actively involved in the movement for women's religious and spiritual liberation. She is currently editor of Religious Review, and on the executive of the Australian Feminist Theology Foundation.

Ann Nyland is an independent scholar, working in the field of Greek lexicography. Her connections were mostly with the University of New England, where she did most of her degrees (Classical and Ionic Greek). She served on Faculty there in the Department of Classics and Ancient History. Ann's Ph.D. was in New Testament lexicography and syntax. She has had three books published on New Testament subjects. Her peer-reviewed papers include Near Eastern (specifically, Hittite) lexicography in the Journal of Near Eastern Studies, the Dutch journal Phoenix, and her most recent paper is "Papyri, Women, and Word Meaning in the New Testament", Priscilla Papers (Vol. 17, No. 4) Fall, 2003, 3-9. Her translation of the New Testament is soon to be published in the USA.

Susan Smith, PhD (Auckland) BA (Caterbury), DipHabTheol (Rome), MTheol (Maryknoll, NY), of the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions, is a faculty member of the School Of Theology, the University of Auckland, where she lectures in New Testament and Missiology. Susan has had considerable experience in adult education and pastoral ministry both overseas and within Aotearoa/New Zealand. She is currently researching for publication purposes the story of Christian women in mission, and how changing theologies have led to changing roles which represent movement beyond their former ancillary status. Susan likes gardening, walking, reading and talking with friends.

Nancy M. Victorin-Vangerud is currently Executive Director of the ARC Ecumenical Retreat Center in Stanchfield, Minnesota, USA.  The center offers hospitality for people seeking a simple lifestyle through the focus on prayer, peace with justice, ecumenism, and sustainability. Previously, Nancy was Lecturer of Systematic Theology at Murdoch University and the Perth Theological Hall (Uniting Church).