March 11, 2014 - Social ethics scholar Dr. Maureen O’Connell of LaSalle University will discuss theology’s role in social transformation during two free public lectures at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, in the Burke Auditorium, William G. McGowan School of Business, at King’s College.

O’Connell’s lecture, titled “Painting Social Transformation: Common Beauty and Common Good,” will focus on her research on community murals and social justice, racial identity formation, and the role of theology in an interdisciplinary approach to achieve a good society.

She is the 35th speaker in the history of the Moreau Lectures series at King’s, which is named in honor of Blessed Father Basil Anthony Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross which established and sponsors King’s College.

Rooted in Catholic social ethics, O’Connell pursues the role of the arts in justice. Her current research project explores racial identity formation, racism, and racial justice on Catholic college campuses.  Considered one of the most promising Catholic feminist scholars, O’Connell’s book “If These Walls Could Talk: Community Muralism and the Beauty of Justice,” was named College Theology Book of the Year Award, as well as the Catholic Press Association’s first place for books in theology in 2012.

O’Connell taught at Fordham University for eight years before becoming chair of the Department of Religion at LaSalle in fall 2013.  She is also vice-president of the College Theology Society and serves on the board of the Society for the Arts in Religious and Theological Studies. She earned her doctorate in theological ethics from Boston College.

The Moreau Lectures Series, sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross at King’s, brings renowned theologians to the King’s campus to address issues of social justice, peace, morality and Catholic identity as well as other subjects relevant to the lives of students, Catholics, and all other people concerned with the significant issues facing the Church and society.

The William G. McGowan School of Business is located on North River Street. Parking will be available at on-campus lots. For further information, contact Rev. Daniel Issing, C.S.C., assistant professor of theology, at (570) 208-5900, ext. 5491 or email DanielIssing@kings.edu.

King’s College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Dr. Maureen O’Connell of LaSalle University is this year’s Moreau Lecturer at King’s College.

Dr. Maureen O’Connell of LaSalle University is this year’s Moreau Lecturer at King’s College.