Collaborative Theology Initiative to Foster Global Jesuit Theological Education, Formation, and Research

New partnership responds to Pope Francis’ call for a theology responsive to the needs of the church and the world.

Father General Arturo Sosa, SJ, has announced the launch of the Collaborative Theology Initiative (CTI), a groundbreaking partnership between Jesuit theology centres worldwide. The initiative is a response to Pope Francis’ vision, as laid out in “Ad theologiam promovendam”, for a theology that is synodal, contextual, and responsive to the needs of the Church and the world. CTI will prepare students for ministry in a rapidly changing world by strengthening theological education and fostering intercultural dialogue.

The CTI prioritizes global collaboration with a focus on joint academic programs, faculty and staff development, and resource sharing. Its governance includes leaders from Jesuit institutions and the General Curia of the Society of Jesus.

Initially focusing on English-language formation centres, the CTI aims to progressively include all interested Jesuit theology formation centres worldwide. This inclusive approach underscores the initiative’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and enhancing theological education within the Jesuit tradition.

A Vision for Reconciliation and Renewal

The CTI’s mission builds on Pope Francis’s call to cultivate a theology that bridges divides and addresses global challenges. “In a fractured world, this initiative embodies a synodal spirit of cooperation and hope-filled imagination”, said Fr Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator, SJ, Dean of the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University and inaugural Chair of the CTI Coordinating Committee. “Through our collaboration, we are creating a dynamic initiative to reimagine theological education in the 21st century.”

Father General Arturo Sosa praised the initiative, saying, “The CTI is a bold and necessary endeavour to equip theologians and ministers from around the world to serve and lead the Church of the future.”

Key Initiatives and Governance

The CTI will operate through a network of four Working Groups, each led by international scholars and administrators. The Working Groups are:

• Curriculum and Academic Programs (Chair: Sr Dr Jacinta Opondo, FSSA)
• Pedagogy (Chair: Fr Rogel Abais, SJ)
• Faculty and Staff Development (Chair: Fr Rajakumar Joseph, SJ)
• Capacity Development (Chair: Dr Drew Roberts)

These groups will design collaborative projects such as co-taught courses, global symposia, and a digital resource hub. The initiative also includes plans for student and faculty exchanges, intercultural training workshops, and collaborative grants to enhance technological infrastructure at member schools.