Alphonsa College
Kottayam, Kerala State

Combining participants from the college, faculty and students of two minor seminaries, three major seminaries, a local Hindu Ashram and several local Mosques, this group promotes an inter-religious dialogue combining multiple perspectives of faith and disciplinary expertise. As Alphonsa is a women’s college, activities are focused, in part, on science and faith issues from the perspective of, and the impact on, women’s issues. The society conducts a comprehensive program of seminars, debates and discussions, symposia, quiz programs, essay competitions, festivals, and retreats. Topics focus on a range of issues including world religions and their contribution to the growth of science; major scientific achievements and their influence on religion, ethics and values; scientific development and the impact on humanity; topics in cell biology, genetics, cloning, biochemistry, environmental ethics and conservation, and astrophysics.