The Loyola Institute

The Loyola Institute is a partnership between ACU and the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus. We seek to promote and support collaborative research and advocacy by Jesuit scholars and our colleagues in Australia and abroad in the areas of our apostolic priorities.

 Artwork by Dora N. Bittau depicting St. Francis Xavier, St. Ignatius Loyola, and St. Peter Faber.

Our priorities include: the Church and human rights – including reconciliation with Indigenous Australians – disability concerns, a just refugee policy, social services, ethics and public policy, contemporary Catholic theologies, comparative theology and interreligious engagement, mission formation for Catholic institutional leadership, research and training in spiritual direction and facing the challenges of the clerical abuse crisis.

Current research streams

  • Christian theology in conversation with Islam
  • The Church and human rights
  • The Church and theology for the 21st Century
  • Teaching and training in Ignatian spirituality and ministry supervision
  • Laudato Sì reconciliation with creation
  • Rethinking theological formation for the contemporary Church in collaboration with ACU’s Xavier Centre for Theological Formation

Coursework study opportunities

Master of Spiritual Direction

Develop a deep understanding of the themes and methodologies in spiritual direction and how to integrate that knowledge in professional practice.

Explore the master

Graduate Certificate in Supervision

Reflect on your practice, gain ever-deepening insight, and become open to opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Explore the graduate certificate

Our people

Our team of researchers have experience in a number of fields including history, the law, and theology, and collaborate with colleagues across the globe to bring their expertise to a wide variety of research projects.

Meet Loyola staff

News and events

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