Trinity Term 2026

SEMINAR
European Values Enshrined in the Treaties of the European Union – Theory and Practice

Professor John Loughlin, Senior Research Fellow, at the Las Casas Institute, and Dr Christian Gsodam, Principal Advisor at the European External Action Service and Professor for comparative constitutional and European law at the University Panthéon-Sorbonne Paris 1 will hold a seminar at Blackfriars Hall on 24 April from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The seminar will tackle, in particular, the values of human dignity and the rule of law.

Everyone is welcome and no registration is required. Please follow the link for further details.

SEMINAR SERIES
Thinking Social Justice

This new seminar series, convened by Las Casas Research Fellows Dr Rebekah Wallace and Dr Jack Norman, explores the philosophical and theological underpinnings of social justice. They are held on select Fridays during trinity term.

5pm, 1 May, Wk 1: the Aula Blackfriars Hall, OX13LY
Dr John Berkman, Toronto, ‘Anscombe’s Persistent Protest: How a protest changed the course of 20th century moral philosophy’. For more information and to register, please follow the link

5.30pm, 8 May, Wk 2: the Aula Blackfriars Hall, OX13LY
Professor Michael Mawson, Auckland, ‘The Liberation Theologies of New Zealand’. For more information and to register, please follow the link

11am, 22 May, Wk 4: the Annexe Seminar Room, OX13LD
Professor Vincent Lloyd, Villanova, ‘Dignity from Below’. For more information and to register, please follow the link

WEBINAR
Echoes of Faith: the Peacebuilding Landscapes of Ireland and Colombia

The Las Casas Institute is pleased to host an online academic conversation exploring the complex role of communities of faith in peacebuilding processes. This event seeks to serve as a trans-Atlantic bridge, bringing different perspectives into fruitful conversation: a space where experiences emerging from two markedly different yet resonant contexts — post-Troubles Ireland and post-Accord Colombia — can be meaningfully contrasted and mutually enriched.

This webinar will be led by Dr Maria Power and Dr Eduardo Gutiérrez, taking place on Zoom at 3pm, Thursday the 14th of May. For more information and to register, please follow the link

WORKSHOP
From Divine Disillusionment to Simple Faith: The Spiritual Narratives of Generation Z

Convened by Dr Edward David, Kings and Blackfriars, the Las Casas Institute will host a workshop and book launch reflecting on the recent release of The Spiritual Narratives of Generation Z (2026) at 4.30pm, Friday the 22nd of May in the Aula of Blackfriars Hall. For more information and to register, please follow the link

SEMINAR
Nature as Neighbour: Ecological Grief

This seminar series brings together emerging scholars of historical ecologies, placing them in conversation to reflect on the relationship humanity has and had with the natural world. Convened by Nidanu O’Shea, Wolfson, and Dr John Angus Macaulay, Blackfriars, the theme of this term’s seminar is ‘Ecological Grief’. The seminar will take place and registration is required. For more information, and to register, please follow the link

LECTURE
Pope Francis (2013-2025): A Retrospective Assessment

Pope Francis died a year ago and this is an opportune moment to offer an initial retrospective assessment with the anniversary of his death, especially how he dealt with international affairs. The lecture reflects on the Pope Francis’ Argentine background, and how in surprising, and important ways it helped to shape his approach to the papacy, and some of the main themes of his papacy: the culture of encounter, human fraternity, inclusive citizenship, care for creation, or the earth as our common home, interreligious dialogue and cooperation on common global issues, and his warning we may be walking ‘peacemeal’ into another global war.

Dr Scott Thomas, Research Associate at Las Casas, will deliver this lecture at 5.30pm, Thursday the 28th of May in the Aula of Blackfriars Hall. Open to all. For more information and to register, please follow the link

BOOK LAUNCH
Human Dignity: Its Roots and Challenges in Western Thought (2026)

The Las Casas Institute is please to celebrate the recently released monograph of Professor John Loughlin, Senior Research Fellow. It is a bold reappraisal of the concept of human dignity through the lens of Catholic tradition. Professor Tracey Rowland, Notre Dame, Australia, will launch the book at 6pm, Tuesday the 9th of June in the Aula of Blackfriars Hall. A reception will follow. For more information and to register, please follow the link

BOOK LAUNCH
Realistic and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (2025)

The Las Casas Institute will be launching the recent publication of Maggi and Zak Savin-Baden, Blackfriars Hall and Cranfield, with an ‘in-conversation’ event with the authors, Kester Brewin, David Burden, Professor Sarah Hayes, Bath Spa, and Dr Elaine Kasket. The launch will take place at 5pm, Thursday the 18th of June in the Aula of Blackfriars Hall, and will be followed by a reception. For more information and to register, please follow the link

WORKSHOP
The Role of the Holy See in International Relations

Professsor Carlos Espaliú Berdud, CEU Fernando III, and Dr Hugo Slim, Blackfriars, will co-chair a hybrid workshop at 3pm, 29 July in the Annexe Seminar Room of Blackfriars Hall. Other participants include: Paul Yowell, Oriel; Dr Scott Thomas, Blackfriars; Dr Anthony O’Mahoney, Blackfriars; Dr Claes Granmar, Stockholm; Dr Rafael Palomino, Complutense Madrid; Manousha Dhiwaghar, Carleton.  For more information and to register, please follow the link