The Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology
Named after Fr. Elliott Bernard Allen (1921-1981), who was the founding Dean of Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michaelās College, the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology was created in 1991 in response to the growing environmental crisis.
The instituteās first Director, Fr. Stephen Dunn, C.P., through the inspiration of the work of cultural historian Fr. Thomas Berry (1914-2009), developed a certificate program that permitted students at the Toronto School of Theology to acquire a specialization in theology and ecology while they concurrently completed a graduate degree in theology.
Since 1991, students have also been able to complete master and doctoral level theses in eco-theology (including eco-spirituality, eco-feminism, and eco-ethics) as well as interdisciplinary theses involving eco-theologyāa pioneering accomplishment of the Elliott Allen Institute.
In addition to courses that enable students to explore the relationships between theology and ecology on a deeper level, the Institute has hosted public lectures, bringing experts in a variety of fields into dialogue with theologians so that issues pertaining to the ecological challenges might be creatively explored.
Lectures have been delivered by: Thomas Berry, Brian Swimme, Mary Evelyn Tucker, John Grim, Rosemary Radford Reuther, Heather Eaton, Anne Marie Dalton, Christopher Key Chapple, Chung Hyun Kyung, Theodore Roszak, Stephen Bede Scharper, Edmund OāSullivan, John Haught, Dieter Hessel, Dorothy Golden Rosenberg, and Celia Deane-Drummond, among others.
After Fr. Dunnās retirement in 2001, Dr. Dennis OāHara took over as the Instituteās Director. Dr. Hilda Koster is the third Director to lead the Institute. She took up her duties in July 2021.
Since its inception, the Elliott Allen Institute has enjoyed a close relationship with the Passionists of Canada, especially at the former the Holy Cross Centre for Ecology and Spirituality that they owned for many years at Port Burwell, (Ontario) as well as the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph, especially at their Villa St. Joseph Ecology and Spirituality Centre in Cobourg, Ontario.
Through these partnerships, the work of the Institute has been enlarged and enhanced. The student members of the Institute have expanded their classroom education to the more natural settings of these retreat centers. Today, this collaboration continues atĀ St. Gabrielās Passionist ParishĀ in Toronto through the monthly Eco-Sabbath gatherings and the annual Advent-Solstice Evening of Reflection as well as an annual course in eco-praxis hosted atĀ Villa St. Joseph Ecology and Spirituality CentreĀ in Cobourg.
In 2012Ā a brief video about the mission and history of Elliott AllenĀ was made, which includes unique archival material of a lecture by Fr. Thomas Berry.
The task of ecological theology is to articulate an earth-honoring faith that draws together scientific knowledge with the wisdom of religious cosmologies. Because ecological destruction affects poor and marginalized communities differently, the Elliott Allen Institute foregrounds an integrated approach to ecological theology that addresses the structural, intersecting injustices in our society and promotes integral human development and environmental justice.
In collaboration with the other member schools of the Toronto School of Theology (TST) as well as the School of the Environment and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, the Elliott Allen Institute offers a Certificate program for Master and PhD students seeking to specialize in Theology and Ecology.
The Institute also offers a Diploma in Theology and Ecology as a continuing education program. The Institute regularly organizes webinars, conferences and lectures aimed at both academic and non-academic audiences.
Hilda P. Koster
Director, EAITE
Once a student is enrolled in any of the graduate programs at the Toronto School of Theology, a student can pursue a specialization in Theology and Ecology.
Certain courses that satisfy the requirements of the studentās graduate program can concurrently satisfy the requirements of the specialization in Theology and Ecology.
For the purposes of the certificate, these courses can be considered as Introduction, Experiential, Exploration, or Issue courses. The types and number of courses that the student is required to take will depend on the graduate program being completed.
Please consult with the Programs Coordinator of the University of St Michaelās College and the Director of the Elliott Allen Institute to ensure that your choices satisfy the requirements for a specialization in Theology and Ecology.
Students pursuing the certificate in Theology and Ecology as part of a MDiv, MTS, or MRE program will be required to take a total ofĀ sevenĀ units of study: two required introduction courses and five elective courses.
Whereas introduction courses provide a foundation for the study of Theology and Ecology, elective courses offer the opportunity to study a particular topic in depth and/or integrate the study of Theology and Ecology trough field experiences in eco-justice ministry, eco-spirituality, and/or interfaith engagement.
The division of course requirements for BD degree students are as follows (for course listings see below):
- 2 Introduction Courses
- 1 Experiential Course
- 2 Exploration Courses
- 2 Issue Courses
The Diploma in Theology and Ecology is a 10-course program aimed at professionals and students who wish to integrate the study of environmental issues and theology in their professional careers and for those who wish to study the theological and ethical dimension of environmental problems.
The Diploma in Theology and Ecology is based in the USMC curriculum and the Toronto School of Theology. It draws on faculty resources in biblical studies, ethics, liturgical studies, pastoral care, spirituality, theology, and world religions and ecology. It spans the study of eco-theology; eco-spirituality; eco-feminism; theologies of embodiment, place, land, race, and indigeneity; environmental ethics; liturgy and creation; and cosmology and ecology.
The vision for the Diploma in Theology and Ecology is shaped by Catholic Social Teaching, and especially Pope Francisās landmark environmental encyclical Laudato Siā: On the Care for Our Common Home (2015).
The Diploma in Theology and Ecology is a 10-course program. Most courses require 12 hours of contact time, with scheduling set by the instructor ā e.g., four classes of three hours each, or a weekend with two six-hour days.
The program requires students to take five required courses, one in-depth course, 2 ecology and theology electives, one experiential course, and a capstone project worth one unit of study.
Whereas foundational courses offer an introduction to and foundation for the study of theology and ecology, elective courses offer the opportunity to further explore an area or topic of interest within theology and ecology. The field experience course is intended to integrate the study of theology and ecology through field experiences in eco-justice ministry, eco-spirituality, and/or interfaith engagement.
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Five Required Foundational Courses
- Introduction to the Old Testament
- Introduction to the New Testament
- Foundations of Theology
- Introduction to Eco-Theology
- Approaches to Ecological Ethics
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
In-depth Course (One Course)
ChooseĀ oneĀ in-depth course from among the following courses:
- Catholic Social Teaching
- Christology
- Trinity
- Creation, Fall, Grace, Glory
- Fundamental Themes in Christian Ethics
- Israelās Wisdom Tradition
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Ecology and Theology (Two Courses)
ChooseĀ twoĀ elective courses. Elective courses allow for further exploration of a topic, perspective, or paradigm in the field of theology and ecology. Courses that count towards the elective requirement may explore topics such as eco-justice; food and food justice; nature mysticism; gender and ecology; Indigenous spirituality; and environmental racism. Examples of elective courses are:
- Spirituality and Ecology: Integration and Implications
SMT 3370/6370 - Ethics, Colonization and Care of the Planet
EMT 3950/6950 - Engaging Spirit: Indigenous Theological Worldviews
EMT2XXX - Theological Significance of Wendell Berry
RGT 3532/6532 - Mystical Landscape Art: From Vincent van Gogh to Emily Carr
RGT 3661/6661 - Land, Food, and Justice: The Biblical Witness
TRB 3831/6831 - Taste and See: A Theology of Food
TRT 2872
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Experiential (One Course)
Students will need to complete one experiential course. Experiential courses offer an opportunity to study theology and ecology through experiences with gardening and organic farming; ecological conservation or preservation; wildlife habitat restoration; eco-justice advocacy work; and/or multi-faith engagement.
Experiential Course Offerings:
- Eco-Theology: Faith and Practice
SMT 2610 - Interfaith in the City
SMT3540 - A Journey Through History: The Jesuit Missions in Early Modern Canada
SMH2801 - In-culturation and Spirituality
SMT3633
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Capstone Project (One Unit of Study)
This requirement can be completed in consultation with the Director of the Elliott Allen Institute and the Programs Coordinator.
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Five Required Foundational Courses
- Introduction to the Old Testament
- Introduction to the New Testament
- Foundations of Theology
- Introduction to Eco-Theology
- Approaches to Ecological Ethics
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
In-depth Course (One Course)
ChooseĀ oneĀ in-depth course from among the following courses:
- Catholic Social Teaching
- Christology
- Trinity
- Creation, Fall, Grace, Glory
- Fundamental Themes in Christian Ethics
- Israelās Wisdom Tradition
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Ecology and Theology (Two Courses)
ChooseĀ twoĀ elective courses. Elective courses allow for further exploration of a topic, perspective, or paradigm in the field of theology and ecology. Courses that count towards the elective requirement may explore topics such as eco-justice; food and food justice; nature mysticism; gender and ecology; Indigenous spirituality; and environmental racism. Examples of elective courses are:
- Spirituality and Ecology: Integration and Implications
SMT 3370/6370 - Ethics, Colonization and Care of the Planet
EMT 3950/6950 - Engaging Spirit: Indigenous Theological Worldviews
EMT2XXX - Theological Significance of Wendell Berry
RGT 3532/6532 - Mystical Landscape Art: From Vincent van Gogh to Emily Carr
RGT 3661/6661 - Land, Food, and Justice: The Biblical Witness
TRB 3831/6831 - Taste and See: A Theology of Food
TRT 2872
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Experiential (One Course)
Students will need to complete one experiential course. Experiential courses offer an opportunity to study theology and ecology through experiences with gardening and organic farming; ecological conservation or preservation; wildlife habitat restoration; eco-justice advocacy work; and/or multi-faith engagement.
Experiential Course Offerings:
- Eco-Theology: Faith and Practice
SMT 2610 - Interfaith in the City
SMT3540 - A Journey Through History: The Jesuit Missions in Early Modern Canada
SMH2801 - In-culturation and Spirituality
SMT3633
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Capstone Project (One Unit of Study)
This requirement can be completed in consultation with the Director of the Elliott Allen Institute and the Programs Coordinator.
The Diploma in Theology and Ecology is a 10-course program aimed at professionals and students who wish to integrate the study of environmental issues and theology in their professional careers and for those who wish to study the theological and ethical dimension of environmental problems.
The Diploma in Theology and Ecology is based in the USMC curriculum and the Toronto School of Theology. It draws on faculty resources in biblical studies, ethics, liturgical studies, pastoral care, spirituality, theology, and world religions and ecology. It spans the study of eco-theology; eco-spirituality; eco-feminism; theologies of embodiment, place, land, race, and indigeneity; environmental ethics; liturgy and creation; and cosmology and ecology.
The vision for the Diploma in Theology and Ecology is shaped by Catholic Social Teaching, and especially Pope Francisās landmark environmental encyclical Laudato Siā: On the Care for Our Common Home (2015).
The Diploma in Theology and Ecology is a 10-course program. Most courses require 12 hours of contact time, with scheduling set by the instructor ā e.g., four classes of three hours each, or a weekend with two six-hour days.
The program requires students to take five required courses, one in-depth course, 2 ecology and theology electives, one experiential course, and a capstone project worth one unit of study.
Whereas foundational courses offer an introduction to and foundation for the study of theology and ecology, elective courses offer the opportunity to further explore an area or topic of interest within theology and ecology. The field experience course is intended to integrate the study of theology and ecology through field experiences in eco-justice ministry, eco-spirituality, and/or interfaith engagement.
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Five Required Foundational Courses
- Introduction to the Old Testament
- Introduction to the New Testament
- Foundations of Theology
- Introduction to Eco-Theology
- Approaches to Ecological Ethics
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
In-depth Course (One Course)
ChooseĀ oneĀ in-depth course from among the following courses:
- Catholic Social Teaching
- Christology
- Trinity
- Creation, Fall, Grace, Glory
- Fundamental Themes in Christian Ethics
- Israelās Wisdom Tradition
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Ecology and Theology (Two Courses)
ChooseĀ twoĀ elective courses. Elective courses allow for further exploration of a topic, perspective, or paradigm in the field of theology and ecology. Courses that count towards the elective requirement may explore topics such as eco-justice; food and food justice; nature mysticism; gender and ecology; Indigenous spirituality; and environmental racism. Examples of elective courses are:
- Spirituality and Ecology: Integration and Implications
SMT 3370/6370 - Ethics, Colonization and Care of the Planet
EMT 3950/6950 - Engaging Spirit: Indigenous Theological Worldviews
EMT2XXX - Theological Significance of Wendell Berry
RGT 3532/6532 - Mystical Landscape Art: From Vincent van Gogh to Emily Carr
RGT 3661/6661 - Land, Food, and Justice: The Biblical Witness
TRB 3831/6831 - Taste and See: A Theology of Food
TRT 2872
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Experiential (One Course)
Students will need to complete one experiential course. Experiential courses offer an opportunity to study theology and ecology through experiences with gardening and organic farming; ecological conservation or preservation; wildlife habitat restoration; eco-justice advocacy work; and/or multi-faith engagement.
Experiential Course Offerings:
- Eco-Theology: Faith and Practice
SMT 2610 - Interfaith in the City
SMT3540 - A Journey Through History: The Jesuit Missions in Early Modern Canada
SMH2801 - In-culturation and Spirituality
SMT3633
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Capstone Project (One Unit of Study)
This requirement can be completed in consultation with the Director of the Elliott Allen Institute and the Programs Coordinator.
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Five Required Foundational Courses
- Introduction to the Old Testament
- Introduction to the New Testament
- Foundations of Theology
- Introduction to Eco-Theology
- Approaches to Ecological Ethics
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
In-depth Course (One Course)
ChooseĀ oneĀ in-depth course from among the following courses:
- Catholic Social Teaching
- Christology
- Trinity
- Creation, Fall, Grace, Glory
- Fundamental Themes in Christian Ethics
- Israelās Wisdom Tradition
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Ecology and Theology (Two Courses)
ChooseĀ twoĀ elective courses. Elective courses allow for further exploration of a topic, perspective, or paradigm in the field of theology and ecology. Courses that count towards the elective requirement may explore topics such as eco-justice; food and food justice; nature mysticism; gender and ecology; Indigenous spirituality; and environmental racism. Examples of elective courses are:
- Spirituality and Ecology: Integration and Implications
SMT 3370/6370 - Ethics, Colonization and Care of the Planet
EMT 3950/6950 - Engaging Spirit: Indigenous Theological Worldviews
EMT2XXX - Theological Significance of Wendell Berry
RGT 3532/6532 - Mystical Landscape Art: From Vincent van Gogh to Emily Carr
RGT 3661/6661 - Land, Food, and Justice: The Biblical Witness
TRB 3831/6831 - Taste and See: A Theology of Food
TRT 2872
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Experiential (One Course)
Students will need to complete one experiential course. Experiential courses offer an opportunity to study theology and ecology through experiences with gardening and organic farming; ecological conservation or preservation; wildlife habitat restoration; eco-justice advocacy work; and/or multi-faith engagement.
Experiential Course Offerings:
- Eco-Theology: Faith and Practice
SMT 2610 - Interfaith in the City
SMT3540 - A Journey Through History: The Jesuit Missions in Early Modern Canada
SMH2801 - In-culturation and Spirituality
SMT3633
Below is a description of the different categories of courses and a list of (sample) courses for each category.
Capstone Project (One Unit of Study)
This requirement can be completed in consultation with the Director of the Elliott Allen Institute and the Programs Coordinator.
Introduction courses aim at introducing you to the field of Theology and Ecology and offer a foundation for further study. Depending on your degree program you will need to take either one or two of the following courses to fulfill this requirement. Courses listed may be offered in alternate years. You are encouraged to consult the Programs Coordinator and the EAITE Director as to when a course will be offered.
Examples of courses:
- SMT 3652/6652: Introduction to Eco-Theology
- SMT 3955/6955: Approaches to Ecological Ethics
- SMT 3370/6370: Spirituality and Ecology: Integration and Implications
Experiential courses offer an opportunity to study Theology and Ecology through experiences with gardening and organic farming; ecological conservation or preservation; wildlife habitat restoration; eco-justice advocacy work; or multi-faith engagement. BD degree students are required to complete an experiential learning course as part of the certificate program. Students seeking the certificate through one of the AD programs have the option to replace an Issue course requirement with an Experiential course. Students in both degree programs also have the option to design their own experiential learning experience.
Please contact the Instituteās Director about experiential learning courses and opportunities.
Examples of courses:
- SMT 2610: Eco-Theology: Faith and Practice
- SMT3540: Interfaith in the City*
- SMH2801: A Journey Through History: The Jesuit Missions in Early Modern Canada*
- SMT3633: ln-culturation and Spirituality*
- SMP 2600: MDiv students may also fulfill the experiential requirement by directing their supervised field placement work toward eco-ministry, either by working with an eco-parish, outdoor ministry (e.g., summer camp), or faith-based organization working on eco-justice or wildlife restoration/preservation. There also is the opportunity to bring an eco-theological question to a field-placement setting that does not explicitly focus on eco-justice or outdoor ministry. Whereas supervised field work is required of all MDiv students, it is optional for MTS students. Both MDiv and MTS students who desire to have their fieldwork count towards the Theology and Ecology programās experiential learning requirement should consult with the Programs Coordinator and the Director of Pastoral Formation.
*A form indicating how this courseās learning experiences are tailored to topics relevant to the experiential learning course requirement for the Theology and Ecology Certificate need to be filled out and signed by the student, the Programs Coordinator and the Faculty member teaching or supervising the course in advance of taking the course.
Exploration courses allow you to further explore a topic, perspective, or paradigm in the field of Theology and Ecology. Courses that count towards the exploration requirement may explore topics such as eco-justice, food and food justice, nature mysticism, gender and ecology, Indigenous spirituality, and environmental racism. Exploration courses may also help you explore paradigms emerging in the field of eco-theology, such as decolonial theory, ecofeminism/womanism, new materialism, and affect theory. Courses may further focus on a visionary thinker/theologian influential for the field of Theology and Ecology. Exploration courses typically have the ecological crisis as an explicit focus.
Examples of exploration courses:
- SMT 5604 Eco-Feminism, New Materialism and Ecological Theology
- SMT 3370/6370: Spirituality and Ecology: Integration and Implications
- EMT 3950/6950 Ethics, Colonization and Care of the Planet
- EMT2XXX Engaging Spirit: Indigenous Theological Worldviews
- RGT 3532/6532 Theological Significance of Wendell Berry
- RGT 3661/6661 Mystical Landscape Art: From Vincent van Gogh to Emily Carr
- TRB 3831/6831 Land, Food, and Justice: The Biblical Witness
- TRT 2872 Taste and See: A Theology of Food
Courses offered through the Graduate Program of the University of Toronto, for example:
- RLG 411 Re-Enchanting Nature: Spirituality and the New Nature Writing
Students may fulfill an exploration course requirement by taking an undergraduate course in Religion and/or Environmental Studies through the University of St Michaelās College or the University of Toronto. Note that while these courses count towards the Certificate Program, they do not count towards the studentās BD/AD program. The student must ensure permission from the Programs Coordinator and contact the Registrar about the arrangement. Examples of relevant undergraduate courses are:
- SMC 232 Christianity and Science
- ENV 330 Ecological World Views
- ENV 333 Waste Not: Faith Based Environmentalism
- RLG 318 Religion and Nature
Issue courses address ecology as one of the issues within a course (e.g., the study of Cosmic Christology in a course on Christology). These courses typically are not offered as courses that focus solely on ecology but provide sufficient attention to the topic to allow students to make the connection with ecology within the overall focus of the course. To have these courses count towards the certificate in Theology and Ecology, the student is asked to focus at least one major course assignment on a topic or concern related to ecology, cosmology, and/or eco-justice and sustainability.
Examples of issue courses:
- SMT 3608 Catholic Social Teaching
- SMT 2242 Christology
- SMT 2223 Mystery of the Triune God
- SMT2328 Creation, Fall, Grace, Glory
- SMB 2278 Israelās Wisdom Tradition
- EMT 3946/6949 Contemporary Ethical Issues in Cultural and Religious Perspectives
- EMT 3664 Indigenous Relationships-Exploring, Faith, Church, Family
- RGB 3751/6751 The Book of Revelation
- TRT5671 Cross-Cultural Religious Thought
- KNT5651 Ecumenical Missional Ecclesiology
- KNT3631 Theology of Religions: Diversity, Plurality, and the Christian Message
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Title: In the Darkness Grows the Green: The Promise of a New Cosmological Horizon of Meaning within a Critical Inquiry of Suffering and the Cross Author: Catherine Wright Year: 2015 Supervisor: Dr. Dennis Patrick OāHara, University of St. Michaelās College Degree: PhD -
Title: Convergent Knowing: Explorations of a Sustained ā and āSustainableā ā Theological Reflection on Science, Environment, and Liberation Author: Simon Appolloni Year: 2014 Supervisor: Dr. Stephen Bede Scharper, University of Toronto Degree: PhD -
Title: The Sacred Journey of the Earth Community: Towards a Functional and Ecological Spirituality via the Cosmologies of Thomas Berry and Zhou Dunyi Author: Kwang Sun Choi Year: 2012 Supervisor: Dr. Dennis Patrick OāHara, University of St. Michaelās College Degree: ThD -
Title: The Eco-Theologies of Thomas Berry and John Zizioulas: Intimations for Ecological Justice Author: Idara Otu Year: 2012 Supervisor: Dr. Jaroslav Skira, Regis College Degree: ThM -
Title: Encountering A Mystic Garden: Trinitarian Spirituality and Thomas Berryās Cosmology Author: Linda Gregg Year: 2010 Supervisor: Dr. Dennis Patrick OāHara, University of St. Michaelās College
Dr. Ellen Leonard, University of St. Michaelās CollegeDegree: DMin -
Title: Integration-with-creation: new spiritual dimensions of ecological stewardship for Catholic education Author: Davileen Radigan Year: 2010 Supervisor: Dr. Brian Walsh, Wycliffe College Degree: DMin
Named after Fr. Elliott Bernard Allen (1921-1981), who was the founding Dean of Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michaelās College, the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology was created in 1991 in response to the growing environmental crisis.
The instituteās first Director, Fr. Stephen Dunn, C.P., through the inspiration of the work of cultural historian Fr. Thomas Berry (1914-2009), developed a certificate program that permitted students at the Toronto School of Theology to acquire a specialization in theology and ecology while they concurrently completed a graduate degree in theology.
Since 1991, students have also been able to complete master and doctoral level theses in eco-theology (including eco-spirituality, eco-feminism, and eco-ethics) as well as interdisciplinary theses involving eco-theologyāa pioneering accomplishment of the Elliott Allen Institute.
In addition to courses that enable students to explore the relationships between theology and ecology on a deeper level, the Institute has hosted public lectures, bringing experts in a variety of fields into dialogue with theologians so that issues pertaining to the ecological challenges might be creatively explored.
Lectures have been delivered by: Thomas Berry, Brian Swimme, Mary Evelyn Tucker, John Grim, Rosemary Radford Reuther, Heather Eaton, Anne Marie Dalton, Christopher Key Chapple, Chung Hyun Kyung, Theodore Roszak, Stephen Bede Scharper, Edmund OāSullivan, John Haught, Dieter Hessel, Dorothy Golden Rosenberg, and Celia Deane-Drummond, among others.
After Fr. Dunnās retirement in 2001, Dr. Dennis OāHara took over as the Instituteās Director. Dr. Hilda Koster is the third Director to lead the Institute. She took up her duties in July 2021.
Since its inception, the Elliott Allen Institute has enjoyed a close relationship with the Passionists of Canada, especially at the former the Holy Cross Centre for Ecology and Spirituality that they owned for many years at Port Burwell, (Ontario) as well as the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph, especially at their Villa St. Joseph Ecology and Spirituality Centre in Cobourg, Ontario.
Through these partnerships, the work of the Institute has been enlarged and enhanced. The student members of the Institute have expanded their classroom education to the more natural settings of these retreat centers. Today, this collaboration continues atĀ St. Gabrielās Passionist ParishĀ in Toronto through the monthly Eco-Sabbath gatherings and the annual Advent-Solstice Evening of Reflection as well as an annual course in eco-praxis hosted atĀ Villa St. Joseph Ecology and Spirituality CentreĀ in Cobourg.
In 2012Ā a brief video about the mission and history of Elliott AllenĀ was made, which includes unique archival material of a lecture by Fr. Thomas Berry.
Dr. Hilda Koster
Director of the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology
Hilda Koster took up the Directorship of the Elliott Allen Institute on July 1, 2021. She is Associate Professor of Ecological Theology and holds the Sisters of St. Josephās of Toronto Chair in Theology in the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michaelās College. A native of the Netherlands, she received a BA and M.Div. from the University of Groningen, a Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary and earned her doctorate from the Divinity School of the University of Chicago.
Dr. Kosterās research focuses on eco-feminist theology, climate justice and resource extraction. At St. Mikeās she teaches courses in ecological theology, ecological ethics and spirituality, as well as a doctoral seminar on Eco-Feminism, New Materialism and Ecological Theology.
Dr. Kosterās publications on Theology, Eco-Feminism and Environmental Ethics have appeared inĀ Theology Today,Ā Modern Theology,Ā The Journal of Religion,Ā The Anglican Theological Review, andĀ Scriptura. She co-edited/authoredĀ The Gift of Theology: The Contribution of Kathryn TannerĀ (Fortress Press, 2015) with Rosemary Carbine;Ā Planetary Solidarity: Global Womenās Voices on Christian Doctrine and Climate JusticeĀ (Fortress Press, 2017) with Grace Ji-Sun Kim;Ā The T&T Clark Handbook of Christian Theology and Climate ChangeĀ (Bloomsbury, 2019) with Ernst M. Conradie; andĀ Solidarity with Earth: A Multi-Disciplinary Theological Engagement with Gender and Resource ExtractionĀ (forthcoming with Bloomsbury 2021).
Dr. Koster is also the co-editor of the T&T Clark book seriesĀ Explorations in Theology, Gender and EcologyĀ (Bloomsbury).
Dr. Stephen Dunn
Founder & First Director of EAITE
Dr. Stephen Dunn, C.P., a Passionist priest and professor in the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michaelās College, was the founder and first director of the Elliott Allen Institute of Theology and Ecology (EAITE).
In the late 1970s, the Passionistsā Holy Cross Centre for Ecology and Spirituality in Port Burwell, Ontario began exploring an emerging interest in the relationship between theology and its response to the ecological crisis.
Significantly influenced by the work of Thomas Berry, Stephen Dunn and the other members of the Centreās staff used the workshops, retreats and colloquia of the Centre to delve into this new field. This collaborative process prompted the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michaelās College to welcome the creation of the EAITE in 1991. In that same year, its certificate of specialization in theology and ecology was extended to not only to the graduate students at St. Michaelās but also to the graduate students in the Toronto School of Theology.
After his retirement in 2001 Dr. Dunn remains active with the Passionist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality. Both he and the Passionist community continue to provide support and valuable advice to the EAITE.
Dr. Dennis Patrick OāHara
Second Director of EAITE
Dr. Dennis Patrick OāHara served as the second Director of the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology from 2001 till his retirement in 2019.
Initially trained as a chiropractor and naturopathic physician, Dr. OāHara earned masters and doctoral degrees as well as a specialization in Theology and Ecology at the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michaelās College.
As a Director Dr. OāHara continued the EAITEās focus on the work and legacy of Thomas Berry though also fostering deep connections with Catholic Social Thought. As an Associate member of the Graduate Faculty at the School for the Environment at the University of Toronto, Dr. OāHara furthered cross-disciplinary connections between Elliott Allen and the scientific disciplines.
Dr. Stephen Dunn
Founder & First Director of EAITE
Dr. Stephen Dunn, C.P., a Passionist priest and professor in the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michaelās College, was the founder and first director of the Elliott Allen Institute of Theology and Ecology (EAITE).
In the late 1970s, the Passionistsā Holy Cross Centre for Ecology and Spirituality in Port Burwell, Ontario began exploring an emerging interest in the relationship between theology and its response to the ecological crisis.
Significantly influenced by the work of Thomas Berry, Stephen Dunn and the other members of the Centreās staff used the workshops, retreats and colloquia of the Centre to delve into this new field. This collaborative process prompted the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michaelās College to welcome the creation of the EAITE in 1991. In that same year, its certificate of specialization in theology and ecology was extended to not only to the graduate students at St. Michaelās but also to the graduate students in the Toronto School of Theology.
After his retirement in 2001 Dr. Dunn remains active with the Passionist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality. Both he and the Passionist community continue to provide support and valuable advice to the EAITE.
Dr. Dennis Patrick OāHara
Second Director of EAITE
Dr. Dennis Patrick OāHara served as the second Director of the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology from 2001 till his retirement in 2019.
Initially trained as a chiropractor and naturopathic physician, Dr. OāHara earned masters and doctoral degrees as well as a specialization in Theology and Ecology at the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michaelās College.
As a Director Dr. OāHara continued the EAITEās focus on the work and legacy of Thomas Berry though also fostering deep connections with Catholic Social Thought. As an Associate member of the Graduate Faculty at the School for the Environment at the University of Toronto, Dr. OāHara furthered cross-disciplinary connections between Elliott Allen and the scientific disciplines.
Dr. Hilda Koster
Director of the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology
Hilda Koster took up the Directorship of the Elliott Allen Institute on July 1, 2021. She is Associate Professor of Ecological Theology and holds the Sisters of St. Josephās of Toronto Chair in Theology in the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michaelās College. A native of the Netherlands, she received a BA and M.Div. from the University of Groningen, a Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary and earned her doctorate from the Divinity School of the University of Chicago.
Dr. Kosterās research focuses on eco-feminist theology, climate justice and resource extraction. At St. Mikeās she teaches courses in ecological theology, ecological ethics and spirituality, as well as a doctoral seminar on Eco-Feminism, New Materialism and Ecological Theology.
Dr. Kosterās publications on Theology, Eco-Feminism and Environmental Ethics have appeared inĀ Theology Today,Ā Modern Theology,Ā The Journal of Religion,Ā The Anglican Theological Review, andĀ Scriptura. She co-edited/authoredĀ The Gift of Theology: The Contribution of Kathryn TannerĀ (Fortress Press, 2015) with Rosemary Carbine;Ā Planetary Solidarity: Global Womenās Voices on Christian Doctrine and Climate JusticeĀ (Fortress Press, 2017) with Grace Ji-Sun Kim;Ā The T&T Clark Handbook of Christian Theology and Climate ChangeĀ (Bloomsbury, 2019) with Ernst M. Conradie; andĀ Solidarity with Earth: A Multi-Disciplinary Theological Engagement with Gender and Resource ExtractionĀ (forthcoming with Bloomsbury 2021).
Dr. Koster is also the co-editor of the T&T Clark book seriesĀ Explorations in Theology, Gender and EcologyĀ (Bloomsbury).
Dr. Stephen Dunn
Founder & First Director of EAITE
Dr. Stephen Dunn, C.P., a Passionist priest and professor in the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michaelās College, was the founder and first director of the Elliott Allen Institute of Theology and Ecology (EAITE).
In the late 1970s, the Passionistsā Holy Cross Centre for Ecology and Spirituality in Port Burwell, Ontario began exploring an emerging interest in the relationship between theology and its response to the ecological crisis.
Significantly influenced by the work of Thomas Berry, Stephen Dunn and the other members of the Centreās staff used the workshops, retreats and colloquia of the Centre to delve into this new field. This collaborative process prompted the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michaelās College to welcome the creation of the EAITE in 1991. In that same year, its certificate of specialization in theology and ecology was extended to not only to the graduate students at St. Michaelās but also to the graduate students in the Toronto School of Theology.
After his retirement in 2001 Dr. Dunn remains active with the Passionist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality. Both he and the Passionist community continue to provide support and valuable advice to the EAITE.
Dr. Dennis Patrick OāHara
Second Director of EAITE
Dr. Dennis Patrick OāHara served as the second Director of the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology from 2001 till his retirement in 2019.
Initially trained as a chiropractor and naturopathic physician, Dr. OāHara earned masters and doctoral degrees as well as a specialization in Theology and Ecology at the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michaelās College.
As a Director Dr. OāHara continued the EAITEās focus on the work and legacy of Thomas Berry though also fostering deep connections with Catholic Social Thought. As an Associate member of the Graduate Faculty at the School for the Environment at the University of Toronto, Dr. OāHara furthered cross-disciplinary connections between Elliott Allen and the scientific disciplines.
Dr. Stephen Dunn
Founder & First Director of EAITE
Dr. Stephen Dunn, C.P., a Passionist priest and professor in the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michaelās College, was the founder and first director of the Elliott Allen Institute of Theology and Ecology (EAITE).
In the late 1970s, the Passionistsā Holy Cross Centre for Ecology and Spirituality in Port Burwell, Ontario began exploring an emerging interest in the relationship between theology and its response to the ecological crisis.
Significantly influenced by the work of Thomas Berry, Stephen Dunn and the other members of the Centreās staff used the workshops, retreats and colloquia of the Centre to delve into this new field. This collaborative process prompted the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michaelās College to welcome the creation of the EAITE in 1991. In that same year, its certificate of specialization in theology and ecology was extended to not only to the graduate students at St. Michaelās but also to the graduate students in the Toronto School of Theology.
After his retirement in 2001 Dr. Dunn remains active with the Passionist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality. Both he and the Passionist community continue to provide support and valuable advice to the EAITE.
Dr. Dennis Patrick OāHara
Second Director of EAITE
Dr. Dennis Patrick OāHara served as the second Director of the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology from 2001 till his retirement in 2019.
Initially trained as a chiropractor and naturopathic physician, Dr. OāHara earned masters and doctoral degrees as well as a specialization in Theology and Ecology at the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michaelās College.
As a Director Dr. OāHara continued the EAITEās focus on the work and legacy of Thomas Berry though also fostering deep connections with Catholic Social Thought. As an Associate member of the Graduate Faculty at the School for the Environment at the University of Toronto, Dr. OāHara furthered cross-disciplinary connections between Elliott Allen and the scientific disciplines.
Dr. Hilda Koster
Director of the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the EAITE so that we can continue the good work of the Institute and support the education of our students.
For more information, please consult theĀ Ways to Give pageĀ on the University of St. Michaelās College website. Be sure to specify that your donation is to be directed to the EAITE. Thank you.
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