About the Indian Theological Association

Origins and Foundation

The Indian Theological Association was founded in 1976 in response to the growing need for a structured, national platform where Indian theologians could come together to reflect on the Christian faith in light of the Indian context. The founding members recognized that theology in India could not simply be an import of Western theological traditions but needed to emerge from the unique socio-cultural, religious, and political realities of the subcontinent.

The initiative was born out of the Second Vatican Council's call for inculturation and the broader movements of liberation theology that were reshaping theological discourse globally. Indian theologians saw an opportunity to contribute a distinctive voice to this worldwide conversation, one that drew from the rich philosophical traditions of India, the experiences of its marginalized communities, and the challenge of living faithfully in a deeply pluralistic society.

Purpose and Scope

The ITA exists to promote and develop contextual theology in India. It serves as a forum for theological exchange, research, and publication, bringing together Catholic, Protestant, and ecumenical scholars from across the country. The association is committed to a theology that is academically rigorous yet deeply engaged with the realities of Indian life.

Its scope encompasses a wide range of theological disciplines, including systematic theology, moral theology, biblical studies, liturgical theology, pastoral theology, and the theology of religions. What unifies these diverse areas of inquiry is a shared commitment to contextualization: the conviction that authentic Indian Christian theology must arise from, and speak to, the Indian experience.

Annual Theological Consultations

At the heart of ITA's work are its annual theological consultations, which have been held every year since its founding. Each consultation focuses on a specific theological theme chosen for its relevance to the contemporary Indian context. Over the decades, these meetings have addressed topics such as Dalit theology, feminist theology, ecology and creation, interreligious dialogue, communalism, globalization, migration, and the role of the church in Indian society.

The proceedings of these consultations are published in the form of edited volumes and journal articles, contributing to a growing body of Indian theological literature that is recognized both nationally and internationally.

Ecumenical and Interreligious Commitment

From its inception, ITA has been committed to ecumenical and interreligious engagement. The association regularly invites scholars from other Christian traditions as well as Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain scholars to participate in its theological reflections. This commitment to dialogue reflects the conviction that theology in India cannot be done in isolation from the religious plurality that defines the nation.