Jesuit Theology Centres Worldwide Collaborate to Strengthen Education and Formation
Among the inaugural members is Hekima University College in Nairobi, representing the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) in this historic partnership.
Announced earlier this year by the Father General Arturo Sosa, S.J., the CTI's aim is to respond to the growing need for a globally engaged theology that bridges cultures, addresses contemporary challenges, and prepares students for ministry in a rapidly evolving world.
The initiative brings together premier Jesuit theology centers from North America, Africa, Asia, and India. Other founding members include the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University (USA), Regis St. Michael’s in Toronto (Canada), Loyola School of Theology at Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines), Vidyajyoti College of Theology (India), and Jnana-Deepa Pontifical Athenaeum of Philosophy and Religion (India). Together, these institutions form a collaborative network that strengthens academic exchange, intercultural dialogue, and formation across the Society of Jesus.
Inaugural member, Clough School of Theology and Ministry (CSTM) Dean Fr. Michael McCarthy, S.J., describes the CTI as “a timely and innovative hub of intellectual encounter and partnership that has the potential to transform our ways of approaching theological education in our Jesuit schools of theology.”
The initiative is organized into four working groups—Curriculum, Pedagogy, Faculty Development, and Resource & Capacity Development—tasked with designing collaborative projects, such as co-taught courses, global symposia, digital resources, and student and faculty exchanges. The program also places emphasis on Ignatian spirituality and seeks to create educational opportunities for lay students and women, particularly in regions where access to theological formation has been historically limited.
The CTI’s inaugural meeting, held at Boston College in July 2025, brought together 13 leaders from member institutions to review progress, set action plans for the next three years, and outline resources needed for implementation. While currently focused on English-language formation centers, the initiative plans to expand to include additional Jesuit theological institutions worldwide.
Reflecting on the CTI’s early work, Fr. Gandaf Wallé, S.J., special assistant to the Dean at CSTM and CTI coordinating committee member, highlighted the initiative’s commitment to inclusivity and global solidarity:
“There was a lot of emphasis on opportunities for lay students, for women, especially from places in the world where women are left behind in terms of theological formation. We discussed extending solidarity and creating opportunities for lay people to receive good theological formation in order to teach or minister in the Church. We are also interested in promoting Ignatian spirituality, and doing that with a global perspective by seeing how that spirituality is being approached in different contexts.”
By connecting Jesuit centers across continents, the CTI demonstrates a shared commitment to inclusive, globally informed, and transformative theological education. For students, faculty, and the broader Church community, this initiative promises to cultivate a generation of ministers and scholars equipped to serve a diverse and rapidly changing world.
Hekima University College, brings a unique perspective to the initiative, representing the African Jesuit theological experience. Through CTI participation, Hekima contributes to shaping curriculum, sharing best practices in pedagogy, and fostering intercultural dialogue that reflects the realities of ministry on the continent.
Related Article: Global Theology Initiative: A Bold Vision for Global Solidarity and Theological Formation
