The St Gabriel Institute for Theology of Religions was founded in order

• to support the general orientation of theological studies towards their development especially in view of the encounter with the non-Christian religions,
• to introduce scientific initiatives and to co-operate with others suited to promote and deepen the dialogue of the Christian faith with the other religious traditions of mankind,
• to carry out research projects corresponding to the general scientific orientation of the Institute.

The St Gabriel Institute for Theology of Religions is rooted in the scientific tradition of the linguistic-anthropological school of St Gabriel and its commitment to the science of religions, which was started by Prof. Wilhelm Schmidt SVD at the beginning of the 20th century and which has led to the foundation among others of the Anthropos Institute in St Gabriel as well as the Institute of Anthropology at the University of Vienna. In the spirit initiated by the Second Vatican Council, the Institute continues this tradition particularly in the field of theology of religions.