Chapter 2.5: International Center for Theology and Ministry

The Jesuit School of Theology, responding to the spirit of the Thirty-Fourth and Thirty-Fifth General Congregations of the Society of Jesus, and aware of its own unique geographic and demographic location, is an international center for the culturally contextualized study of theology and ministry. It does this by admitting students from all over the world (more than half of our students are international), and by claiming culture as the lens through which it pursues the study of all areas of theology and ministry.

The Jesuit School of Theology’s diverse student body, allows it to experience with particular clarity the diversity of cultures and religions in the global church. Through the Global Theology Initiative (GTI) networks are being developed with Jesuit theology centers in Africa, India, Canada, and the Philippines to facilitate mutual learning through an exchange of perspectives, scholars, students, and programs. The Jesuit School is sensitive to the cultural context of theology and ministry in the local church as well. The rich cultural diversity of the Diocese of Oakland, in which the school is located, is a microcosm of the urban realities that challenge ministry in the U.S. church for the future. Our Latino/a Theology and Ministry Leadership Network Initiative commits us to serving Hispanic Catholics in our region and preparing our students to service Hispanic communities after graduation.Through our Instituto Hispano, we offer courses and programs that will help students develop multicultural ministry skills, and offer pastoral programming to parishioners and their neighbors.