The Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology

Flowers, bushes, and plants outside a campus building

The Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology aims at building bridges between scholars, theologians, faith communities and faith-based organizations with the aim of cultivating visions and practices for an inclusive, just, and ecologically sustainable society.

The Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology is a leading, collaborative institution in ecological theology rooted in the Catholic tradition.

Taking its foundational inspiration from the visionary work of cultural historian and priest Thomas Berry (1914-2009), the institute initiates and facilitates ecumenical and interdisciplinary scholarship and conversations that foster integrated knowledge and transformative visions for an inclusive, just, and ecologically sustainable society.

The Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology is a leading, collaborative institution in ecological theology rooted in the Catholic tradition.

As we are faced with accelerating climate change, loss of biodiversity, and ecosystem collapse, it is essential that we recover our relationship to the earth, our kinship with non-human life, and the sacredness of creation.

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.

Dr. Hilda P. Koster

Hilda P. Koster

Director, EAITE