ISE at 50

ISE was founded in 1970, by Fr Michael Hurley SJ, who challenged many of the prevailing theological and political assumptions of that time on the island of Ireland, overcoming considerable odds to see that ISE was established as a centre for dialogue, scholarship, and service to the wider community.

Fr Hurley’s vision was of a place where people from all backgrounds could explore the challenges and possibilities of peace and reconciliation together. In this sense, ISE defines ‘ecumenics’ as a multi-disciplinary field of study concerned with inter-religious, inter-cultural dialogue, and peace and reconciliation.

From small beginnings in 1970, 50 years on ISE has grown successfully into an institution with highly regarded graduate research and teaching in Trinity College Dublin and community based programmes in Northern Ireland the Border Counties. In both these arenas, a network of global contacts give and receive inspiration from knowledge and wisdom painstakingly accumulated from pioneering work undertaken to advance Peace and promote Reconciliation in many places and circumstances.

The celebration of ISE at 50 takes place over an extended period of time beginning in 2020 and finishing in 2023, to feature a number of activities, including civic conversations on common good, and webinars and a conference on the ecumenical vision for peace and reconciliation.

• Webinars
• Conference
• Common Good