About
The Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland (CIBI)
Founded in 2005, the Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland (CIBI) is a collaborative initiative that brings together the rich heritage of the Carmelite tradition. Founded by the British and Irish Provinces of Carmelites (OCarm) and the Anglo-Irish Province of Discalced Carmelites (OCD), CIBI offers online courses designed to celebrate and share the spiritual, historical, and theological aspects of Carmelite life.
Our Mission
The spiritual focus of the Carmelite Order is friendship with God through prayer and contemplation. Emanating from this is a strong sense of community and a spirit of service.
These three elements – prayer, community and service – are at the heart of the Carmelite lifestyle.
The mission of the Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland (CIBI) is to provide a pathway for students to explore Carmelite spirituality in a modern-day context, set to the backdrop of a bountiful 800-year old tradition; to provide and uphold a recognised and esteemed academic pathway in which to do so; for the purpose of enriching the lives of our students and also of providing a platform for this rich heritage to secure its pathway into the future.
Our Values
Student Centred
We take a pragmatic and empathetic approach to individual students’ needs and circumstances, supporting their learning journey and celebrating their success.
Excellent Academic Standards
Our continually updated content is authored by subject-matter experts. We provide accessible delivery, continuous individual feedback, and assessments that are independently validated.
Openness
While rooted in a Roman Catholic and Carmelite theological ethos, we are open to and respect, students from all religious traditions and none. We welcome diversity, freedom of expression and sharing of experiences.
Community
Recognising the need for mutual respect, we are a community of students, staff, trustees and committee members working towards a shared purpose and mission.
Simplicity
Our easily accessible self-directed learning – delivered online – allows students to study at a time and place that suits them. We provide straightforward feedback and respond promptly to queries.
Our History
CIBI’s journey began in November 2005. Since then, we have achieved significant milestones:
