The Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology

As we face 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 Institute builds bridges between scholars, theologians, faith communities and faith-based organizations to cultivate an inclusive, just, and ecologically sustainable society. It is a leading, collaborative institution in ecological theology rooted in the Catholic tradition. 

Ecological theology articulates 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 takes an integrated approach to ecological theology that addresses the structural, intersecting injustices in our society and promotes integral human development and environmental justice. 

Once enroled in any of the programs at Regis St. Michael’s, you can pursue a specialization in Theology and Ecology. Certain courses that satisfy the requirements of your graduate program can concurrently satisfy the requirements of the specialization in Theology and Ecology. Details about the Diploma in Eco-Theology can be found here.

Named after Fr. Elliott Bernard Allen (1921-1981), who was the founding Dean of Faculty of Theology at St. Michael’s College, the Institute was created in 1991 in response to the growing environmental crisis. 

The 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 so students at the TST could acquire a specialization in Theology and Ecology while completing their graduate degree. 

Since 1991, students have also been able to complete masters 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 about the relationship between theology and ecology, the Institute hosts public lectures, bringing a variety of experts into dialogue with theologians to creatively explore ecological challenges. 

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 retired in 2001, Dr. Dennis O’Hara became the Director. Dr. Hilda Koster took over in 2021 – the third Director to lead the Institute.  

Since its inception, the Institute has enjoyed a close relationship with the Passionists of Canada, especially at the former Holy Cross Centre for Ecology and Spirituality at Port Burwell, Ont. It is also closely aligned with the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph, especially at their Villa St. Joseph Ecology and Spirituality Centre in Cobourg, Ont. 

Through these partnerships, the work of the Institute was 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 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, including unique archival material of a lecture by Fr. Thomas Berry. 

Dr. Hilda P. Koster
Associate Professor in Ecological Theology
Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto Chair in Theology

Dr. Stephen Dunn, Founder & Director of EAITE, 1991-2001 

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, Ont., 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 other Centre 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 St. Mike’s to create the EAITE in 1991. That same year, a certificate of specialization in Theology and Ecology was extended to graduate students at St. Michael’s and in the Toronto School of Theology. 

After his retirement in 2001 Dr. Dunn remained active with the Passionist Centre for Ecology and Spirituality. The Passionist community continues to provide support and valuable advice to the EAITE. 

Dr. Dennis Patrick O’Hara, Director of EAITE, 2001-2019 

Dr. Dennis Patrick O’Hara served as the second Director of the Institute. 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 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. 

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Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the EAITE so 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 St. Michael’s College website. Be sure to specify that your donation is to be directed to the EAITE. Thank you for your support.