The Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology
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.
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 student’s 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 Michael’s 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 of seven 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:
- 2 Introduction Courses
- 1 Experiential Course
- 2 Exploration Courses
- 2 Issue Courses
Introduction Courses
SMT 3652/6652: Introduction to Eco-Theology (required for BD degree students)
SMT 3370/6370: Spirituality and Ecology: Integration and Implications
SMT 3955/6955: Approaches to Ecological Ethics
Introduction courses could also count towards the exploratory course requirement (i.e., a BD student who takes all three introduction courses can have one of these courses count as an exploration course).
Experiential Learning Courses
SMT 2610: Eco-Theology: Faith and Practice (normally offered in the First week of July for a week)
SMT3540HS: Interfaith in the City (Offered in the Summer months as a one-week intensive course-July-August)*
SMH2801HS: A Journey Through History: The Jesuit Missions in Early Modern Canada (Offered in the summer months as a one-week intensive course (July-August)*
SMT3633HS: ln-culturation and Spirituality (Class time in Winter term and Practicum in Summer term)*
SMP 2600H: 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 program’s experiential learning requirement should consult with the Programs Coordinator and the Director of Pastoral Formation.
Exploration Courses
SMT 5XXX Eco-Feminism, New Materialism and Ecological Theology
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
Note that in case you take more than the required number of introduction courses, any of the introduction courses may also count towards the exploration requirement.
Issue Courses
SMT 3608 Catholic Social Teaching
SMT 2242 Christology
SMT2328 Creation, Fall, Grace, Glory
SMB 2278 Israel’s 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
TRT 3XXX/6XXX Justice in the Biblical Story
KNT5651 Ecumenical Missional Ecclesiology
KNT3631 Theology of Religions: Diversity, Plurality, and the Christian Message
Students pursuing the certificate in Theology and Ecology as part of a MA, DMin, or PhD program will need to take a total of five courses. Students have the option to substitute either an exploration or issue course for an experiential learning course.
The division of course requirements for the AD degree students is as follows:
- 1 Introduction Course (students choose one course from the three courses listed as Introduction Courses)
- 2 Exploration Courses
- 2 Issue Courses
Introduction Courses
SMT 3652/6652: Introduction to Eco-Theology
SMT 3370/6370: Spirituality and Ecology: Integration and Implications
SMT 3955/6955: Approaches to Ecological Ethics
Introduction courses could also count towards the exploratory course requirement (i.e., a BD student who takes all three introduction courses can have one of these courses count as an exploration course).
Experiential Learning Courses
SMT 2610: Eco-Theology: Faith and Practice (normally offered in the First week of July for a week)
SMT3540HS: Interfaith in the City (Offered in the Summer months as a one-week intensive course-July-August)*
SMH2801HS: A Journey Through History: The Jesuit Missions in Early Modern Canada (Offered in the summer months as a one-week intensive course (July-August)*
SMT3633HS: ln-culturation and Spirituality (Class time in Winter term and Practicum in Summer term)*
Exploration Courses
SMT 5XXX Eco-Feminism, New Materialism and Ecological Theology
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
Note that in case you take more than the required number of introduction courses, any of the introduction courses may also count towards the exploration requirement.
Issue Courses
SMT 3608 Catholic Social Teaching
SMT 2242 Christology
SMT2328 Creation, Fall, Grace, Glory
SMB 2278 Israel’s 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
TRT 3XXX/6XXX Justice in the Biblical Story
KNT5651 Ecumenical Missional Ecclesiology
KNT3631 Theology of Religions: Diversity, Plurality, and the Christian Message
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 Francis’s landmark environmental encyclical Laudato Si’: 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 – 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.
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 Institute’s 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 program’s experiential learning requirement should consult with the Programs Coordinator and the Director of Pastoral Formation.
*A form indicating how this course’s 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 Michael’s College or the University of Toronto. Note that while these courses count towards the Certificate Program, they do not count towards the student’s 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 Israel’s 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
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 Institute’s 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 program’s experiential learning requirement should consult with the Programs Coordinator and the Director of Pastoral Formation.
*A form indicating how this course’s 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 Michael’s College or the University of Toronto. Note that while these courses count towards the Certificate Program, they do not count towards the student’s 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 Israel’s 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
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 Francis’s landmark environmental encyclical Laudato Si’: 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 – 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.
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 Institute’s 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 program’s experiential learning requirement should consult with the Programs Coordinator and the Director of Pastoral Formation.
*A form indicating how this course’s 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 Michael’s College or the University of Toronto. Note that while these courses count towards the Certificate Program, they do not count towards the student’s 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 Israel’s 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
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 Institute’s 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 program’s experiential learning requirement should consult with the Programs Coordinator and the Director of Pastoral Formation.
*A form indicating how this course’s 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 Michael’s College or the University of Toronto. Note that while these courses count towards the Certificate Program, they do not count towards the student’s 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 Israel’s 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
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 Institute’s 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 program’s experiential learning requirement should consult with the Programs Coordinator and the Director of Pastoral Formation.
*A form indicating how this course’s 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 Michael’s College or the University of Toronto. Note that while these courses count towards the Certificate Program, they do not count towards the student’s 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 Israel’s 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
Filter By
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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 O’Hara, University of St. Michael’s College Degree: PhD -
Title: Convergent Knowing: Explorations of a Sustained – and ‘Sustainable’ – 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 O’Hara, University of St. Michael’s 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 Berry’s Cosmology Author: Linda Gregg Year: 2010 Supervisor: Dr. Dennis Patrick O’Hara, University of St. Michael’s College
Dr. Ellen Leonard, University of St. Michael’s 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. Michael’s College, the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology was created in 1991 in response to the growing environmental crisis.
The institute’s 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-theology—a 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 O’Sullivan, John Haught, Dieter Hessel, Dorothy Golden Rosenberg, and Celia Deane-Drummond, among others.
After Fr. Dunn’s retirement in 2001, Dr. Dennis O’Hara took over as the Institute’s 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 at St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish 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 at Villa St. Joseph Ecology and Spirituality Centre in Cobourg.
In 2012 a brief video about the mission and history of Elliott Allen was made, which includes unique archival material of a lecture by Fr. Thomas Berry.
Dr. Hilda P. Koster
Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto Associate Professor in Ecological Theology
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. Joseph’s of Toronto Chair in Theology in the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michael’s 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. Koster’s research focuses on eco-feminist theology, climate justice and resource extraction. At St. Mike’s 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. Koster’s publications on Theology, Eco-Feminism and Environmental Ethics have appeared in Theology Today, Modern Theology, The Journal of Religion, The Anglican Theological Review, and Scriptura. She co-edited/authored The Gift of Theology: The Contribution of Kathryn Tanner (Fortress Press, 2015) with Rosemary Carbine; Planetary Solidarity: Global Women’s Voices on Christian Doctrine and Climate Justice (Fortress Press, 2017) with Grace Ji-Sun Kim; The T&T Clark Handbook of Christian Theology and Climate Change (Bloomsbury, 2019) with Ernst M. Conradie; and Solidarity with Earth: A Multi-Disciplinary Theological Engagement with Gender and Resource Extraction (forthcoming with Bloomsbury 2021).
Dr. Koster is also the co-editor of the T&T Clark book series Explorations in Theology, Gender and Ecology (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. Michael’s College, was the founder and first director of the Elliott Allen Institute of Theology and Ecology (EAITE).
In the late 1970s, the Passionists’ 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 Centre’s 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. Michael’s 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. Michael’s 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 O’Hara
Second Director of EAITE
Dr. Dennis Patrick O’Hara 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. O’Hara earned masters and doctoral degrees as well as a specialization in Theology and Ecology at the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael’s College.
As a Director Dr. O’Hara continued the EAITE’s 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. O’Hara 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. Michael’s College, was the founder and first director of the Elliott Allen Institute of Theology and Ecology (EAITE).
In the late 1970s, the Passionists’ 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 Centre’s 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. Michael’s 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. Michael’s 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 O’Hara
Second Director of EAITE
Dr. Dennis Patrick O’Hara 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. O’Hara earned masters and doctoral degrees as well as a specialization in Theology and Ecology at the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael’s College.
As a Director Dr. O’Hara continued the EAITE’s 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. O’Hara furthered cross-disciplinary connections between Elliott Allen and the scientific disciplines.
Dr. Hilda P. Koster
Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto Associate Professor in Ecological Theology
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. Joseph’s of Toronto Chair in Theology in the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michael’s 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. Koster’s research focuses on eco-feminist theology, climate justice and resource extraction. At St. Mike’s 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. Koster’s publications on Theology, Eco-Feminism and Environmental Ethics have appeared in Theology Today, Modern Theology, The Journal of Religion, The Anglican Theological Review, and Scriptura. She co-edited/authored The Gift of Theology: The Contribution of Kathryn Tanner (Fortress Press, 2015) with Rosemary Carbine; Planetary Solidarity: Global Women’s Voices on Christian Doctrine and Climate Justice (Fortress Press, 2017) with Grace Ji-Sun Kim; The T&T Clark Handbook of Christian Theology and Climate Change (Bloomsbury, 2019) with Ernst M. Conradie; and Solidarity with Earth: A Multi-Disciplinary Theological Engagement with Gender and Resource Extraction (forthcoming with Bloomsbury 2021).
Dr. Koster is also the co-editor of the T&T Clark book series Explorations in Theology, Gender and Ecology (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. Michael’s College, was the founder and first director of the Elliott Allen Institute of Theology and Ecology (EAITE).
In the late 1970s, the Passionists’ 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 Centre’s 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. Michael’s 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. Michael’s 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 O’Hara
Second Director of EAITE
Dr. Dennis Patrick O’Hara 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. O’Hara earned masters and doctoral degrees as well as a specialization in Theology and Ecology at the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael’s College.
As a Director Dr. O’Hara continued the EAITE’s 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. O’Hara 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. Michael’s College, was the founder and first director of the Elliott Allen Institute of Theology and Ecology (EAITE).
In the late 1970s, the Passionists’ 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 Centre’s 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. Michael’s 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. Michael’s 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 O’Hara
Second Director of EAITE
Dr. Dennis Patrick O’Hara 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. O’Hara earned masters and doctoral degrees as well as a specialization in Theology and Ecology at the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael’s College.
As a Director Dr. O’Hara continued the EAITE’s 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. O’Hara furthered cross-disciplinary connections between Elliott Allen and the scientific disciplines.
Dr. Hilda P. Koster
Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto Associate Professor in Ecological Theology
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 the Ways to Give page on the University of St. Michael’s College website. Be sure to specify that your donation is to be directed to the EAITE. Thank you.
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