Advancing Interfaith Understanding Across Africa
Join us in our mission to bridge diverse faiths through dialogue, education, and collaborative research, fostering peace and mutual respect across the continent.
Presentation of CISA
"To be religious today is to be interreligious."
The Foundation
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 reflection was providentially strengthened by an invaluable gift: the distinguished scholar Daniel A. Madigan, SJ, who donated his extensive collection of Islamic studies publications to the Jesuits of Africa and Madagascar before retiring from Georgetown University in 2021. Now housed at Hekima University College, this meticulously curated collection forms the foundation of CISA’s academic and research endeavors.
The Mission
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 will provide a robust platform for dialogue, education, and research that supports Jesuit ministries and other institutions across the continent.
Our Vision
At its core, CISA is committed to fostering meaningful interfaith engagement through academic research, public lectures, conferences, workshops, and publications.
Furthermore, the center seeks to reach 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.
"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.
From the Director’s Desk
Norbert Litoing, SJ
Director, CISAThe 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 article, “Beyond Borders,” capturing transformative encounters with Islam at ITCJ.
Senegal
Research Journey exploring how Muslim and Christian communities navigate shared landscapes.
USA (Marquette)
Week as Peacemaker in Residence, engaging students on nonviolent action and reconciliation.
Finally, these updates announce an essay competition, part of an initiative to engage emerging thinkers on the topic of interfaith relations in Africa, in the context of the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate. As we navigate complex religious and cultural landscapes, the insights shared in these updates encourage us to approach interfaith engagement with humility, openness, and a commitment to dialogue.
Our Programs
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 our rigorous scholarly inquiries that explore the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities of interfaith relations in Africa.
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Publications
Access our academic journals, reports, and articles contributed by leading scholars in the field of religious studies.
Read Journals
Library & Documentation
Explore the renowned Madigan Collection and our comprehensive documentation center specializing in Islamic studies.
Visit Library
Conferences
Join leading scholars and practitioners at our conferences dedicated to advancing the discourse on religious pluralism.
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