The Collegeville Institute supports research, writing, publication, and education on the important intersections between faith and culture.
About the Institute What The Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research, founded in 1967, is a residential research center where a diverse mix of people, including scholars, pastors, writers, professionals, artists, and corporate leaders, from various faith communities gather to connect faith to the world and its pressing social issues. Where The organic beauty of the Institute's setting, combined with the Institute's rich history, have made it a spiritual destination for many. Nestled quietly among trees on a lovely lakeshore, with residential and meeting facilities designed by Marcel Breuer, the campus is especially conducive to intellectual reflection, interfaith dialogue and prayer. The Institute is an autonomous part of the Saint John's community, which includes Saint John's Abbey and University, the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library and The Liturgical Press. The women's community of Saint Benedict's Monastery and the College of Saint Benedict in nearby St. Joseph further expand the resources for residents of the Institute. Purpose The purpose of the Collegeville Institute is to support research, publication, and education on the important intersections between faith and culture. Participants seek to discern and communicate the meaning of Christian identity and unity in a religiously and culturally diverse world. The Collegeville Institute exists to mediate religious conflict and disunity and to build bridges between faith traditions. Here people share in practicing and teaching the art of living together. To fulfill its mission, the Institute provides opportunities for people to come together for research, study, prayer, reflection, writing, dialogue, and outreach on issues of faith in today's world. It functions as a special learning center for teachers. Though the Institute is rooted in the exploration of the meaning of Christianity, its combined emphasis on ecumenism and culture make it hospitable to adherents of all religious traditions.