Centre for Caribbean
Spirituality and Interfaith Dialogue
Description
The establishment of a Centre for
Caribbean Spirituality and Interfaith Dialogue (CCSID) is considered to
be an integral aspect of the vision of St Michael’s Theological
College. It will further the mission of the institution by
strengthening its commitment to the holistic development of persons and
society through theological study, research, dialogue, faith development
and outreach in order to effectively affirm religious values in the
Caribbean and thereby fostering personal and societal transformation.
The Rationale
The need to foster Caribbean identity and
to highlight the unique contribution of the region in all aspects of
personal and societal life is a matter of utmost urgency as we enter the
twenty-first century. Scholarly research, reflection and analysis are
essential in providing the basis for informed decisions and effective
action in our region. Additionally, in as much as spirituality
penetrates to the deepest level of human existence and seeks to clarify,
inform and direct the life of faith towards more authentic expressions
of human life, it needs to be acknowledged and promoted as an important
aspect of Caribbean experience and of praxis-centred reflection and
research. Moreover, spiritual and religious questions continue to
engage public consciousness in the Caribbean.
Given the richly diverse cultural
heritage of the Caribbean region, which has drawn together people from
Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, a systematic
examination through the Centre for Caribbean Spirituality and Interfaith
Dialogue, of both the autonomy of each religious/cultural tradition and
the creative encounters among them has the potential to unleash
transforming new knowledge.
