Churches in the Midst of Polarisation

The consultation will discuss the ways in which churches function as colonising or decolonising spaces, and the manner in which theological discourse on gender and identities has been framed in antagonistic terms. The consultation will address the role of symbols and rituals in processes of polarisation and reconciliation. It will also focus on the complex question of truth-seeking amidst conflict and hostility, as a core theological task in the church, as well as in academic and ecumenical spheres. Speakers and participants from a variety of backgrounds and church traditions across Europe will engage in joint analysis and constructive theological reflection.

The following sub-themes will be addressed:

(1) Types of polarisations in churches and in society;
(2) Church as a de/colonising space;
(3) Advocacy or diplomacy: The role of the churches in polarising contexts;
(4) Gender as a de/polarising topic;
(5) Symbol and ritual mediation in reconciling polarisations;
(6) Truth finding in the context of de/polarisation.

Information about the venue, accommodation, and public transport can be found below in section “Venue”.

Statue of Saint Willibrord (†739), “apostle of the Frisians”, on Janskerkhof square in Utrecht.

CALL FOR PAPERS

Junior and senior scholars are invited to submit proposals for short papers (15 minutes) which preferably address the theme of the conference and its sub-themes. Proposals on other theological and ecumenical topics may also be submitted. There will be also a slot for poster presentations. All proposals will be evaluated by the standing committee. The working language of the conference is English.

Proposals need to be submitted at the latest by February, 28, 2026, including the following: title of the paper and abstract (approximately 250 words), brief bio, institutional affiliation, and academic position. Please use the appropriate form below to submit your proposals.

The decision of acceptance will be communicated before the end of March 2026. After the conference, presenters will be invited to submit their papers to be considered for publication in the conference proceedings.

Regina Elsner, Sara Gehlin, Sam Goyvaerts, James Hawkey, Pantelis Kalaitzidis, Annemarie Mayer, Tim Noble, Mattijs Ploeger, Anthony Reddie, Angus Ritchie, Debora Tonelli, Natallia Vasilevich, Pieter Vos, Helga Wets, Edda Wolff.