Churches in the Midst of Polarisation

  • Date
    August 21, 2026 -
    August 25, 2026
    Call for papers closed:
    February 28, 2026
    Registration closed:
  • Venue
    Where:
    Utrecht (Netherlands)
    Adress:
    Janskerk, Janskerkhof 26, 3512 BN Utrecht

  • Churches in the Midst of Polarisation

    This ecumenical Academic Consultation will critically examine phenomena of polarisation in church and wider society and explore initiatives toward depolarisation. In recent times, political discourse has become increasingly divisive, resulting in palpable tensions and hostility within society. The consultation will address the role of churches and ecumenical organisations in the context of polarising dynamics. It will explore the approaches adopted by these institutions and the manner in which they utilise their positionality. Different types of polarisations, their motives, narratives, dynamics and impact will be examined. This will entail addressing the harm and injustice experienced, and analysing theological responses, and the potential for transformation.

About Consultation

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.

The main venue for the consultation will be the Janskerk, which is located next to the Protestant Theological University in Utrecht. Participants will be responsible for booking their own accommodation in Utrecht. Early booking is recommended.

Regular options in the city are:

Arrangements with these hotels are being finalized and updates will be made available here.

Budget (and very basic) options are:

AirBnB   options can be explored individually.

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.

Call for papers

Confirmed speakers

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

Programme

To be determined.

To be determined.

To be determined.

To be determined.

To be determined.

Registration form

Role