Church and World

A Catholic and Jesuit institution, Georgetown is home to a range of initiatives, centers, and programs that address the Catholic intellectual tradition and the role of the Church in the world.

The Theology Department offers a range of courses on the Catholic tradition, and the university’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life involves faculty, students, and the wider community in its events and programs. Through the Center for the Applied Research in the Apostolate, Georgetown supports inquiry into the challenges facing the Church, nationally and internationally. Additionally, the University’s Campus Ministry and Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching, and Service engage faculty, students, and staff in the Ignatian tradition of contemplation in action.

Featured News

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Wall Street Journal Quotes Georgetown Scholars on Catholic Social Teaching

A February 5 essay quotes Georgetown's John Carr and Rev. David Hollenbach, S.J., on ways the Catholic Church’s long tradition of public discourse on Catholic social teaching can help unite a divided America.

Aerial view of the Vatican's St. Peter's Square

Catholic Forum Roma

Twelve Themes from Fratelli Tutti by John Carr

I helped write the bishops’ first document on Catholics and voting. Here’s why I’m voting Biden, not Trump.

Select Academic Programs

Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies

The Department of Theology sponsors this Ph.D. program with religious pluralism as a central focus. Students comparatively examine at least two major religions with respect to theology, ethics, and culture.

Major in Theology

Georgetown's Department of Theology sponsors this major for undergraduates. Students have four options for concentration: Christian theology, religious ethics, biblical studies, and religious studies.

Minor in Catholic Studies

The Minor in Catholic Studies allows students to engage the richness of the Catholic intellectual and cultural tradition with the various dimensions of human existence such as the arts, sciences, humanities, law, medicine, politics, business, and economics.

Select Centers, Institutes,
and Research Programs

Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public LifeGeorgetown Unit

The Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life is an effort to promote dialogue on Catholic social thought and national and global issues, build bridges across ideological lines, and encourage a new generation of Catholic leaders to see their faith as assets in pursuing the common good.

Center for Applied Research in the ApostolateGeorgetown Unit

The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) is a Georgetown affiliated research center focusing on the Catholic Church. CARA aims to increase the Church’s self understanding; to serve the applied research needs of Church decision-makers; and to advance scholarly research on Catholicism.

Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and ServiceGeorgetown Unit

Established in 2001, the Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service is a center for service-based scholarship and community outreach in pursuit of the common good.

Past Event

March 01

Overcoming Poverty as a Moral Imperative and National Priority: Towards “A Better Kind of Politics”

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Past Event

February 12

The Sources of Brazil’s Religious Soft Power

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Past Event

February 04

Black Women and Criminal (In)justice

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