Dialogue, collaboration and openness: Rector René Roux talks about the Faculty of Theology

Facoltà di Teologia di Lugano, affiliated with Università della Svizzera italiana, is an international hub attended by a community with different origins - but also spirituality -. René Roux, Rector of the Faculty, described this multiplicity in an interview by the Corriere del Ticino.

The "Veritatis Gaudium", the reform desired by Pope Francis, envisaged four pillars: to enter into the heart of the Christian message; to enter into full dialogue with other religions; to strengthen the inter - and trans-disciplinarity of the academic proposal; and to network with other religious, academic structures. Four aspects that, as René Roux emphasises, are well in line with the principles already dear to the Faculty of Theology: "From a certain perspective, considering the Faculty's foundational inspiration and its developments across various philosophical and religious domains, along with numerous agreements and connections with both Catholic and non-Catholic institutions, I believe that "Veritatis Gaudium" has officially reaffirmed the direction that the Faculty has long embraced. Since its inception, the newly founded Faculty of Theology, inherently situated in a multicultural context, has been actively engaged in many of these processes."

The Faculty of Theology hosts students and lecturers from all over the world: "The internationality of the Faculty of Theology in Lugano may come as a surprise, all the more so since it uses the national language, Italian, for its theology courses. In any case, it reflects the broad horizons of its founder, Monsignor Eugenio Corecco, who always considered the canton of Ticino not a closed place to take refuge but an operational base for building a more cohesive and humane world. The emphasis on internationalism was a core intention from the very beginning," recalled the Rector.

Over its thirty years of activity, the Faculty of Theology has expanded its offerings, without however, losing the spirit that has characterised it since its inception: "The Faculty started with approximately forty students. Even thirty years ago, the curriculum included disciplines such as Philosophy, Canon Law, and Religious Sciences. While the expansion of these disciplines has brought additional programs, it has not altered the core spirit of the Faculty. The academic world naturally evolves and engages with reality, and theology also requires the freedom to thrive and fulfil its mission."

While it is true that there is a shortage of vocations, which poses challenges for the faculties of theology, as Rector Roux recalled, interest in theology and related disciplines has increased in recent years: "The shortage of vocations primarily impacts parishes, dioceses, and churches in general. It is only later that this issue is reflected in the faculties. Additionally, we are seeing a growing number of secular students and researchers, including presbyters, seeking specialised training. The Faculty of Lugano maintains strong connections with seminaries and educational institutions for candidates preparing for the presbyterate. This collaboration aims to provide an academic education that effectively addresses the new challenges future presbyters will encounter. The academic programme at the Faculty of Theology is accessible to everyone, ensuring a rich diversity of perspectives among students."

As the Rector emphasised, the Faculty has a very close collaboration with the church of Lugano: "The relationship is very close, by nature of things: The Faculty was founded by the Bishop of Lugano, who serves as its Grand Chancellor. The church of Lugano is one of the Faculty's main supporters, and the Faculty prepares priests, religious educators, and pastoral workers to serve within the church. It also organises numerous events and high-profile initiatives aimed at the entire population, including Catholics and non-Catholics. The Faculty also plays an indirect role in addressing the pastoral needs of the diocese. Many student priests offer part-time assistance in parishes throughout Ticino. It is worth noting that some of our lecturers serve as consultants for the Swiss Bishops' Conference and the central bodies of the Holy See."

As of 2021, the Faculty of Theology has been affiliated with USI thanks to an agreement that is "the result of a long study process that has allowed a formula of collaboration that takes into account the various needs and sensitivities at play in the area, to strengthen the Lugano university pole. For instance, the Faculty's strategic plan is now integrated into USI's overall plan, and its study programmes and faculty appointments are validated by the relevant USI bodies, with representation for the Faculty of Theology alongside other faculties. The degrees awarded are joint qualifications. Enhancing collaboration between the university and educational institutions remains our top priority."

The Faculty of Theology, like all other faculties at USI, also cherishes its role in the so-called "third mandate", which involves the popularisation and transmission of knowledge to the population: "The subject of religion is of general and growing interest, irrespective of an individual's private beliefs. In addition to the many public events that the Faculty regularly organises, I would like to mention here the ERES training programmes, on religious pedagogy in the age of development, aimed at teachers of religion and catechists in the canton, as well as the new health pastoral programme, aimed at those who serve in hospitals and retirement homes. Programmes in the field of applied ethics are in development. The region of Ticino is steeped, by its history, in many Christian religious elements and traditions: giving them an interpretative character, I think, is a very valuable cultural service. It is a sector in full development, and the care of the 'third mandate' enriches the entire academic community.

The Faculty also plays a role in the area of interreligious and ecumenical dialogue, as recalled by its Rector: "The Faculty houses the Institute of Religion and Theology (ReTe), which offers a specific Master's degree in English on interreligious dialogue and carries out research in this area. What struck me most upon moving to Ticino was witnessing how this Faculty, characterised by a strong Catholic identity, is also embraced by Protestant and Orthodox students and individuals from other religions or those with no religious affiliation. Ecumenical and interreligious dialogue stems from mutual understanding and respect, not from relativism."

The complete interview with Rector René Roux, published by Corriere del Ticino, is available at the following link and attached.