About Us
The Heythrop Institute was formed following the closure of Heythrop College in 2018, and in 2020 was given a Royal Charter to 'advance learning in theology, philosophy and allied sciences'.
At present, the Institute is based in Mayfair, at London Jesuit Centre, which is also home to The Heythrop Library.
Academic Team
Dr John Moffatt SJ
Dean
John Moffatt SJ graduated with a first degree in Classics (1982), supplemented with masters degrees in Philosophy and New Testament Studies in 1985 and 2000 respectively, and a PhD in Arabic Philosophy from SOAS. He currently teaches languages and philosophy at the London Jesuit Centre, and is editor of The Heythrop Journal
Fr David Birchall SJ
Director of London Jesuit Centre
David Birchall trained as a teacher in Poulton-le-Fylde College of Education, then, in the Jesuits, studied philosophy and theology at Heythrop College, University of London and the Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, He is currently director of the London Jesuit Centre, and Treasurer of The Heythrop Institute.
Dr Stuart Jesson
Researcher, and Theology Lead at London Jesuit Centre
Stuart co-ordinates the research seminars and the annual workshop, and teaches theology and philosophy at London Jesuit Centre. He has a PhD in Philosophical Theology, and has published on a range of topics in philosophy of religion, including forgiveness, theodicy, and the work of Simone Weil and Friedrich Nietzsche.
Prof. Michael Barnes SJ
Researcher
Michael is Emeritus Professor of interreligious relations at the University of Roehampton and a research associate at the School of Advanced Study in the University of London, where he has also co-ordinated the doctoral research of former Heythrop PhD candidates.
Board of Trustees
Michael Kirwan SJ (Chair)
John Moffatt SJ
Frank Turner SJ
David Birchall SJ
Keith McMillan SJ
Stuart Jesson