Curtis McKenzie

Education

B.Comm., University of Saskatchewan, 1998

Chartered Professional Accountant, 2001

M.T.S., University of Toronto (Regis College), 2019

M.Div./S.T.B., University of Toronto (Regis College), 2022

Biography

Curtis’ primary research interest is ecclesiology, focusing on synodality. Prior to graduate studies, Curtis earned a Bachelor of Commerce and a professional designation as a C.P.A. This led to an 18-year career in corporate finance, private equity, mergers & acquisitions, and various executive roles in the banking, aviation, and energy sectors. Following a brief sabbatical in Italy, Curtis worked at the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace at the Holy See (Vatican). After returning to Canada, Curtis began studies in philosophy, psychology, and theology at the University of Toronto. There, he earned a Master of Theological Studies and a Master of Divinity through Regis College, including several courses in Eastern Christianity at the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute.

Now “ABD,” Curtis’ interest in synodality dates back to his time in Rome, where he noticed Pope Francis’ commitment to addressing the problems identified in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. To this end, he has identified a contemporary understanding of synodality through comparative analysis and mutual recognition using ‘models.’ Equally, Curtis is interested in synodality as a pathway to restoring ecclesial relationships.

In addition to his research, Curtis has a passion for spirituality and mysticism, business interests, and the histories and cultures of the Christian East. This helps him as a priest in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC). Indeed, he enjoys discovering the many paths and traditions that guide us toward transcendental meaning. When not engaged with research, Curtis loves reading, adventuresome walks, traveling, and a good cappuccino.