Jesuits in Britain undertake process to 'discern future of higher education'

Following the decision that Heythrop will cease to be a constituent college of the University of London in 2018, the Jesuits in Britain announced earlier this month that they are undertaking a process to review and discern the vision that will shape their future work in the intellectual sphere.

That sphere comprises teaching and research in theology, philosophy, and allied disciplines; the work of training for lay and ordained ministry; adult Christian formation of due intellectual rigour; and a contribution from its areas of competence to relevant public reflection and debate, as well as pastoral work in chaplaincies and the production of journals. This work is currently carried out within and also beyond the major institutions linked to the Province, of Heythrop College itself and Campion Hall, Oxford. Heythrop College's own planning forms part of this broader process.

In undertaking this process, the British Province of the Society of Jesus assures its continued support for the Bellarmine Institute (the structure of ecclesiastical faculties of Theology and Philosophy within Heythrop), in some form as a significant service to the Church.

The Jesuit Provincial has commissioned a forum to coordinate the process of consulting relevant institutions, partners and other concerned persons. It will report on the Province's priorities, with clear recommendations, by the end of December 2015 or very shortly thereafter.

The members of the Forum are as follows:

Rev Nicholas Austin SJ: Lecturer, Heythrop College; Rev Brendan Callaghan SJ: Director, North-West Europe Noviceship; Mr Loughlin Hickey: Governor, Heythrop College; Rev Michael O'Boy: Director of Studies, Allen Hall, Archdiocese of Westminster; Sr Frances Orchard CJ: Provincial, Congregation of Jesus; Rev David Smolira SJ: Parish Priest, St. Ignatius, Stamford Hill, London; Rev Christopher Thomas: General Secretary, Catholic Bishops;' Conference of England and Wales; Rev Frank Turner SJ (Chair and Convenor): Fellow in Political Theology, Campion Hall, Oxford: Ms Jane Hellings, the Province's Director of Development and Communications, will act as Consultant to the Forum.

Please address any enquiries, comments or submissions to fturner@jesuit.org.uk, or to forum@jesuit.org.uk

A petition to save Heythrop, started by Professor Robert Stern, President of the British Philosophical Association, has attracted more that 600 signatures and comments. To add your name see: https://netivist.org/campaign/stop-the-closure-of-heythrop-college