Catholic Theological Union at Chicago

08/17/2026

Last week, members of the CTU community gathered at the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), an association of leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious across the United States.

Pictured from left to right are Maria Cimperman, RSCJ, CTU Professor of Theological Ethics; Mary Kerber, S.S.N.D., CTU alumna (‘84); and Barbara Reid, OP, President Emerita of CTU.

We’re proud to see CTU women bringing their wisdom, leadership, and theological expertise to this important gathering of women religious from across the country.

Learn more about the conference here: https://www.lcwr.org/

08/14/2026

This fall, the Center for the Study of Consecrated Life (CSCL) at Catholic Theological Union invites you to a special two-day gathering exploring the intercultural and racial contexts of religious life today.

Across October 28–29, participants will engage in plenary presentations and interactive workshops focused on racial justice, interculturality, and the experiences of religious life today.

Mark your calendar and join this important conversation. The event is free and available both in person and online.

For more information and full event details, visit: https://ctu.edu/event/religious-life-and-racial-justice/

08/13/2026

Yunus Tozal, a recent May 2026 graduate with an MA in Theology, wrote an article for the Chicago Tribune that was redistributed on the Government Technology website.

In it, he considers the fact that the University of Chicago is integrating Claude Enterprise, an artificial intelligence tool developed by Anthropic, into its curriculum, student, and faculty body, a decision that put many up in arms. While “the problem is not whether AI exists,” Tozal writes, “The problem is whether the university still knows what it is selling.”

Read more of his thoughts on AI in the university here:

The University of Chicago is giving Claude Enterprise to students and staff to experiment with AI, but it hasn't defined its theory of what education is supposed to do or how AI will serve that purpose.

08/12/2026

Sr. Laurie Brink recently released her new book, titled “Practicing Radical Advent: Purposeful Waiting in Seasons of Change.”

As a Professor of New Testament Studies and the Director of the Certificate in Biblical Spirituality at CTU, Sr. Laurie refers to the “radical advent” as a holy waiting that is infused with God’s presence and promise. Her writing is anchored with biblical figures and their life’s responses to change, engaging the reader to consider that transition periods are opportunities for active and spiritual growth.

You can purchase Sr. Brink’s book online at www.eerdmans.com.

08/11/2026

CTU is still accepting applications for the fall semester!

AT CTU, we dedicate ourselves to living our theology and gaining new perspectives each day. Our growth and learning are woven together with our faith, not separate from it. Join us this fall and continue your unique journey with Christ at CTU.

Learn how to apply here: https://ctu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/

08/10/2026

On August 1, CTU celebrated Professor Emerita Sr. Dianne Bergant’s 90th Birthday!

Sr. Dianne Bergant has been a faculty member at CTU for decades, shaping the minds of students and providing an intellectual framework for CTU’s teachings for years. She is a world-renowned Old Testament scholar, author, professor, and past President of the Catholic Biblical Association of America.

To honor Sr. Dianne Bergant for all of her amazing contributions to CTU, CTU is excited to announce the Dianne Bergant Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will continue paving the way for students to receive theological education and find their passion within CTU’s diverse community.

You can read more about the scholarship here: https://ctu.edu/dianne-bergant-scholarship/

08/03/2026

“‘If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to prove it?’ I find myself asking what outward evidence I would use to prove my allyship with my children,” writes faculty member Christina R. Zaker, who teaches spirituality and pastoral ministry at CTU.

In her recent, poignant article titled "How to be an ally to your q***r child,” Christina writes about how she has intertwined parenting with allyship as she actively learns and grows every day alongside her non-binary child, Josie.

She explores internal and external practices like being a willing listener, asking genuine questions, and extending her support into q***r-designated spaces. She emphasizes that showing up as an ally doesn’t just help you understand their life — it helps them open their life up to you.

Read more about Christina’s reflection and steps of allyship here: https://outreach.faith/2026/07/how-to-be-an-ally-to-your-q***r-child/

07/30/2026

Pope Leo XIV's new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, is about protecting human dignity in the age of AI. But his first papal encyclical also includes another powerful acknowledgment: an apology for the Church's complicity in slavery.

In this final installment of our faculty reflections on Magnifica Humanitas, Dr. C. Vanessa White reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s message to Black Catholics and how their faith has remained steadfast, deeply rooted in memory, resilience, and hope.

Just as Pope Leo XIV calls the Church to repentance in its relationship with Black Catholics, he also calls each of us to remain vigilant in defending human dignity as artificial intelligence increasingly shapes our daily lives.

Listen to Dr. C. Vanessa White’s reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical here: https://youtu.be/TsOfnvUYpl4?si=rv7qKa7wdYWnfrrO

07/29/2026

In Pope Leo XIV's latest encyclical, he challenges the complacency that can keep us on the sidelines and calls us to intentional action.

As Professor of Hispanic Theology and Ministry Dr. Carmen M. Nanko-Fernández reflects: "While some are vying for the future of new technologies and others dedicate themselves to reflecting on the matter, most people are watching and waiting, observing from afar and merely hoping for the best."

Rather than remaining passive, Pope Leo invites us to embrace the work before us, to "not be afraid to get our hands dirty."

What does that call look like in a world where AI is at our fingertips?

Listen to Dr. Carmen M. Nanko-Fernández's reflection on Pope Leo's message:https://youtu.be/w2mTTQ0gnPY?si=ahKn-41W-LH6Ytpd

07/28/2026

“There’s no such thing as theology that is detached from life.”

At CTU, theology is lived, questioned, and put into practice. Students from diverse backgrounds and traditions come together to engage faith, scholarship, and the world’s most pressing challenges in a welcoming academic community.

Learn more about CTU’s mission.

https://youtu.be/IjDtopA94i0?si=oF_AKH2ps9D9ySfr