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Policies

Ecclesial Identity and Theological Orientation

Loyola Papers is published by the Loyola School of Theology, an ecclesiastical faculty established by the Holy See. The journal is therefore rooted in the Catholic theological tradition and contributes to the Church’s intellectual mission. At the same time, Loyola Papers is committed to rigorous academic scholarship and constructive theological dialogue. The journal welcomes research that critically and creatively engages Scripture, tradition, magisterial teaching, and contemporary theological developments, particularly within Asian contexts and in conversation with the wider global theological community.

Contributions should demonstrate:

  • Scholarly integrity and intellectual responsibility;
  • Respect for the Catholic theological tradition;
  • Openness to dialogue with contemporary cultures, religions, and social realities;
  • A constructive contribution to the life and mission of the Church.

Language and Prior Publication Policy

All manuscripts submitted to Loyola Papers must be written in English. Authors are responsible for ensuring that submissions meet appropriate standards of academic English. Manuscripts that do not meet acceptable language standards may be returned for revision prior to peer review.

Submissions must not be under consideration for publication elsewhere at the time of submission. An English translation of an article previously published in another language may be submitted for consideration, provided that:

  • The author secures any necessary copyright permissions from the original publisher or rights holder; and
  • The submission undergoes the journal’s standard peer review process.

If accepted, such work will be published with appropriate acknowledgment as a Translation.

Peer Review Policy

All submissions undergo a double-blind peer review process. Manuscripts are first screened by the Editor for scope, quality, and adherence to submission guidelines. Suitable manuscripts are then reviewed by at least two independent experts. Reviewers evaluate:

  • Scholarly quality and originality;
  • Methodological soundness;
  • Clarity of argumentation;
  • Contribution to theological discourse;
  • Relevance to the journal’s aims and scope.

Anonymized reviewer comments are normally shared with authors to assist in revision and development. Final publication decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief.

Publication Ethics and Academic Integrity

Loyola Papers upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical publishing. The journal does not tolerate:

  • Plagiarism or improper citation;
  • Fabrication or falsification of research;
  • Misrepresentation of authorship or contributions;
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest.

Similarity screening may be conducted using plagiarism-detection software. A similarity index exceeding 30% may raise serious concerns, though editorial judgment will take into account legitimate quotations and bibliographic material. Authors are expected to comply with all relevant ethical standards in research and writing.

Use of AI-Assisted Tools

Authors may use AI-assisted tools (e.g., for grammar or language improvement) only as supportive aids. Such tools must not replace the author’s own scholarly work, argumentation, or originality. Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and proper citation of all submitted content. AI tools may not be listed as authors.

Editorial Decisions, Rejection, and Appeals

1. Editorial Decisions

A manuscript may be desk-rejected for any of the following reasons:

  • The topic falls outside the aims and scope of the journal;
  • The submission raises serious concerns regarding research ethics or academic integrity;
  • The manuscript contains substantial plagiarism or improper citation practices;
  • The work has been previously published or is under review elsewhere;
  • The submission does not demonstrate sufficient originality or scholarly contribution to warrant peer review.

Following peer review, manuscripts may receive one of the following decisions:

  • Accept
  • Accept with Minor Revisions
  • Revise and Resubmit
  • Reject

Rejection may occur either at the editorial screening stage or after peer review.

2. Notification of Rejection

Authors of rejected manuscripts will be notified in writing.

3. Resubmission

A rejected manuscript may not be resubmitted unless the Editor expressly invites resubmission following substantial revision. A manuscript receiving a “Revise and Resubmit” decision is not considered rejected; however, resubmission does not guarantee acceptance.

4. Appeals

Authors who believe a rejection decision was based on a significant factual misunderstanding or procedural irregularity may submit a written appeal to the Editor within a reasonable period. The Editor may uphold the decision, seek additional review, or reconsider the decision in consultation with the Editorial Board. The decision following an appeal is final.

Copyright and Licensing Policy

Upon acceptance and publication, authors assign copyright in the final published version to the Loyola School of Theology. This includes the right to publish, reproduce, distribute, transmit, archive, and make the work available in print and electronic formats worldwide. Authors retain moral rights to their work and proprietary rights (e.g., patents) in processes or innovations described.

Authors must sign and submit a Consent to Publish Form confirming originality, permissions, and ethical compliance.

Author Reuse and Self-Archiving Policy

Authors are granted the following rights:

  • Scholarly reuse: The published version may be reused in future books authored or co-authored by the author (excluding journal articles), with full citation and indication of modifications.
  • Teaching use: The published version may be used in course packs, e-reserves, and institutional teaching, provided access is restricted.
  • Presentations: Non-commercial oral presentations based on the work are permitted.

Repository sharing: Authors may deposit the published article in personal or institutional repositories with full citation to Loyola Papers.

Open Access and Distribution

Loyola Papers is an open-access journal offered free of charge, in keeping with its mission to promote theological scholarship and broaden access to academic research. All articles and complete issues may be freely accessed and downloaded through the journal website and the Loyola School of Theology Publications Office. LST reserves the right to upload and archive the final published version online. The journal may also print and distribute hard copies, determine print runs, and set pricing.

Fees and Compensation

Loyola Papers does not charge submission, review, or publication fees. Authors receive no honorarium, royalty, or other financial compensation for publication.

Data Protection and Privacy

Loyola School of Theology processes authors’ personal data solely for publication, communication, and administrative purposes. Personal data will be retained only as long as reasonably necessary or as required by law.

Contact

For policy-related inquiries, please contact: publications@lst.edu.