• About the Director
• Core Activities
• Goals
• History
• Programs
• Purpose Statement

• Center for Religion & Public Discourse
• Faith in Action
• Founders' Day
• Mercy Mentoring Program
• Statement of Purpose
• Strategic Directions
• SXU Timeline

The Center for Religion and Public Discourse

Established in 2001, the Center for Religion and Public Discourse advances thoughtful and respectful discussion and scholarship in areas where considerations of economics, politics, science and the arts can be informed by ethical, spiritual and religious perspectives.

In establishing the Center, the University supports the position that Pope John Paul II takes in Ex Corde Ecclesiae, that "a Catholic university is distinguished by its free search for the whole truth" and must, of necessity "engage in a dialogue between faith and reason" (John Paul II, Ex Corde Ecclesiae). Through a series of campus and community programs and scholarly activities, the Center provides a forum for this dialogue by creating an intellectual “free zone” where timely and sometimes controversial issues can be publicly raised, presented and debated with candor and civility.

By articulating carefully reasoned ethical, spiritual, and religious perspectives about the individual and common good, the Center promotes both the “dialogue between faith and reason” and the core values of the University, especially respect, excellence, integrity and hospitality.

For more information on the Center, its programs or activities, please e-mail thecenter@sxu.edu.

This stained glass window is located in the McDonough Chapel on the Chicago campus.  It represents the Celtic Mercy Heritage and spirituality.