Ruth J. Chojnacki received the M.Div. from The Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley and Ph.D. from The University of Chicago. She has directed research and task forces for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, WI, and the Diocese of Oakland, CA, U.S.A. Her principal field study of Mexico's Highland Maya took place from 1993-1995; she visited most recently in August, 2008. While working in the Diocese of San Cristobal de Las Casas during a period which spanned the Zapatista uprising, she collaborated with the diocesan Human Rights Center, "Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas," and taught fundamental theology in the Conciliar Seminary. She currently teaches ethics and ecclesiology for the Instituto de Liderazgo Pastoral, University of St. Mary of the Lake, Chicago and Mundelein IL, and is Director of Development Communications and Outreach at DePaul University in Chicago.