Academic Research
Rigorous interfaith scholarship anchored in Africa's pluralistic reality.
Dialogue & Encounter
Building bridges across Muslim, Christian, and Traditional communities.
Youth Outreach
Empowering the next generation to lead peacemaking efforts.
The Centre for Interfaith Studies in Africa (CISA) was officially inaugurated in January 2024 at Hekima University College, marking a significant milestone in the journey of interfaith dialogue and research on the African continent.
Although newly established, the vision behind CISA has been years in the making. In 2020, Fr. A.E. Orobator, SJ, then president of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar, initiated a conversation about developing a structured response to the challenges and opportunities of religious pluralism in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This vision was strengthened by an invaluable gift: distinguished scholar Daniel A. Madigan, SJ donated his extensive collection of Islamic studies publications to the Jesuits of Africa and Madagascar. Now housed at Hekima, this collection forms the very foundation of CISA's academic endeavors.
CISA's initial focus is on Islam and Muslim-Christian relations, reflecting both the pressing realities of interfaith engagement in Africa and the wealth of resources provided by Fr. Madigan's collection.
However, the center's mission extends beyond this initial scope. Over time, CISA aims to expand its research and programs to include other faith traditions, particularly African Traditional Religions and the vibrant Hindu communities in East and Southern Africa.
In doing so, the center provides a robust platform for dialogue, education, and research that supports Jesuit ministries and institutions across the continent.
Islam & Christianity
African Traditions
Hindu Communities
Peacemaking
At its core, CISA is committed to fostering meaningful interfaith engagement through academic research, public lectures, conferences, workshops, and publications.
Furthermore, the center reaches young people through targeted outreach programs that encourage interfaith dialogue, promote tolerance, and counteract religious radicalization.
By creating spaces for encounters and learning, CISA aspires to build bridges of understanding and friendship among diverse religious communities across Africa and beyond.
"Guided by the vision of the 34th General Congregation of the Jesuits, which emphasized that to be religious today is to be interreligious…"
Welcome to CISA—where dialogue fosters unity and scholarship inspires change.
"The dialogue of life — living alongside one another — is itself the most fundamental form of interfaith encounter." — Nostra Aetate, 60th Anniversary
The Center for Interfaith Studies in Africa is slowly but surely taking shape, providing a much-needed platform for dialogue, research, and engagement on interreligious coexistence in Africa. As this initiative grows, it is essential to celebrate and reflect on the many ways in which interfaith encounters continue to shape societies and inspire peacemaking efforts.
Kenya
Christy Ininahazwe's piece on "Bridging Faiths" and Scriptural Reasoning at Harmony Institute.
West Africa
Alvin Mulinge's "Beyond Borders," capturing transformative encounters with Islam at ITCJ.
Senegal
Research exploring how Muslim and Christian communities navigate shared landscapes.
USA — Marquette
Week as Peacemaker in Residence, engaging students on nonviolent action and reconciliation.
These updates also announce an essay competition, engaging emerging thinkers on interfaith relations in Africa — marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate. We approach this work with humility, openness, and an unwavering commitment to dialogue.
Islamic Studies Initiative
Delve into the rich resources of our Islamic studies collection, fostering understanding between Muslim and Christian communities.
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Interfaith Workshops
Participate in workshops designed to promote open communication and mutual respect among diverse faith traditions.
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Research
Engage with rigorous scholarly inquiries exploring the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities of interfaith relations in Africa.
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Publications
Access academic journals, reports, and articles contributed by leading scholars in the field of religious studies.
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Library & Documentation
Explore the renowned Madigan Collection and our comprehensive documentation center specializing in Islamic studies.
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Conferences
Join leading scholars and practitioners at our conferences advancing the discourse on religious pluralism and coexistence.
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