The New Irish School of Ecumenics-Loyola Institute Building at Trinity College Dublin Opens
Posted on: 25 March 2014
Students to address religious, ethical and societal questions at new premises of the ISE and the Loyola Institute on the main Trinity campus
The Irish School of Ecumenics- Loyola Institute Building at Trinity College Dublin was opened today (March 24th).
The Irish School of Ecumenics engages in teaching and research into the causes of and solutions for religious, political and cultural divisions in human societies. It is joined in the new building by the Loyola Institute, concerned with teaching and research on theology in the Catholic tradition. Both form part of Trinity’s Confederal School of Religions, Peace Studies and Theology, that attracts students nationally and globally from a diverse range of cultural and denominational backgrounds, providing a multicultural learning environment.
On the occasion of opening the new building, Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn, said:
“We live in a multicultural society in which the study and understanding of religions and diverse cultures are important. The work of the Irish School of Ecumenics and the Loyola Institute will enable students to address religious identity, human rights, and peace building among other important issues. Students will learn about dealing with conflict within societies in the context of globalisation and the challenges of intercultural and interreligious dialogue. “
The Loyola Institute which opened its doors to students this academic year for the first time offers a BA Moderatorship in Catholic Theological Studies as well as a joint honours degree combined with other disciplines. The Institute will also offer a full postgraduate suite of programmes at masters and doctorate level.
The Irish School of Ecumenics which moved to the Trinity campus this academic year, provides two taught postgraduate degrees (M Phil) in Intercultural Theology and Interreligious Studies, and in International Peace Studies, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Conflict and Dispute Resolution Studies. Additionally, at its campus in Belfast it offers a taught postgraduate degree in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation. It is unique in being Ireland’s only cross-border interdisciplinary institution for the study of conflict and peace.
Speaking on its importance for Trinity College, its Deputy President Professor Linda Hogan said:
“The opening of this beautifully restored building represents an important milestone for the study of religions and their interrelationships within Trinity. All societies have to reckon with the challenge of religious and cultural pluralism and the Confederal School of Religions, Peace Studies and Theology provides a dynamic and diverse context in which students from around the world address some of the grand political and religious challenges of our day. “
Professor Iain Atack and Head of School, Confederal School of Religions, Peace Studies and Theology added:
“This new location provides a wonderful opportunity for the academic departments within the Confederal School of Religions, Peace Studies and Theology to cooperate around shared interests in research and teaching, and to work together in an innovative and interdisciplinary fashion with our colleagues in the wider Trinity College Dublin community.”
The Confederal School of Religions, Peace Studies and Theology comprises the Loyola Institute, the Irish School of Ecumenics and the Department of Religions and Theology. There are currently 130 undergraduate students and 62 postgraduate students taking degree courses and taught modules in the Confederal School, and 37 PhD students. Graduates are employed in a wide range of fields, including the diplomatic service, international organisations such as the UN, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), in health, education, the media, and in church and community-based organisations.
For media queries contact College Press Officer, Caoimhe Ní Lochlainn, communications@tcd.ie tel: 8962310/ 087-9958014