Ecclesiology

2025 Call for Papers

John Barnes, Fordham University (NY), jbarnes14@fordham.edu

Deepan Rajaratnam, College of St. Benedict and St. John's University (MN), drajaratn001@csbsju.edu

The Ecclesiology section of the College Theology Society invites paper and panel proposals exploring the intersection of ecclesiology with this year’s theme, “The Locus of the Theological Vocation.” We welcome submissions that critically examine how the Church serves as a vital locus for theological vocation as both an institution and a body of believers. Proposals should consider how the evolving contexts of theology affect the life of the Church, its structures, and its mission in the contemporary world. Specific areas of interest include:

• ·       Ecclesial Loci as Theological Contexts: In what ways do local churches' geographical, social, and cultural settings shape their theological insights and ecclesial identities? Furthermore, what role does the local Church play in fostering an environment for theological exploration amid evolving academic landscapes? For example, what will theology look like within the local dioceses as more religious orders depart from Catholic colleges and universities?
• ·       Theology Beyond Academia: As fewer theologians find positions in academic institutions, how might the Church become a new or renewed space for theological vocation? How can church settings like parishes, dioceses, and synods nurture and support theological scholarship and teaching outside traditional academia?
• ·       Ecclesiology and Vocation: How do shifts in the Church—like leadership changes, social movements, or environmental crises—affect theological vocations? How does the concept of contingency shape theologians’ contributions to ecclesiology in academic, pastoral, or church roles?
• ·       Ecclesiology and Synodal Renewal: What resources from our ecclesial traditions—like synodal processes and missiological movements—can inspire theological renewal? How can emerging movements within the Church reshape our theological vocations and invigorate our communities? How will the Church engage the next generation of theologians as we confront declining trends in theological education? What new models for theological learning can we develop to address today’s unique challenges? How is the Church’s role as a public theologian evolving with the rise of new media and social movements? What challenges and opportunities does this present for ecclesiology as theology finds its voice in digital and activist spaces?
• ·       We also welcome proposals on any other topics related to ecclesiology that engage with the conference theme.

Submission Criteria:

• ·       You must be a CTS member in good standing to present at the conference.
• ·       Proposals should be 250-500 words and include the scholar’s name, position, institution, and anticipated AV needs.
• ·       Please submit your proposals by December 15, 2024.
• ·       Please email your proposals to the Ecclesiology section conveners:
• o   John Barnes, Fordham University, jbarnes14@fordham.edu
• o   Deepan Rajaratnam, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, drajaratn001@csbsju.edu

Notifications of acceptance will be sent out by mid-January.

We look forward to your submissions and discussions about the evolving theological vocations in the Church.