Call for Papers
Walking Together: Sharing the Work and Ideas that Call to Us
A multi-faith, multidisciplinary conference for scholars, activists and practitioners
May 26 – 28, 2026
Vancouver School of Theology
Attend in person or via Zoom
Scholars, activists, and practitioners across religious traditions are called to their work by a bundle of needs and ideas that we hold in common. Our own spiritually-engaged vocations, questions, and interests often overlap with those of our colleagues and counterparts, friends and neighbours working in other traditions or professions. This year’s Inter-Religious Conference at VST is an opportunity to connect around those shared interests. Join us to share research, experiences, and insights in a multi-faith, multidisciplinary forum of people ready to build community and walk together on our common vocational paths.
What religious/spiritual work, practice, or concept motivates you to pursue your calling? How does your spirituality inform or shape what you do? What developments, challenges, or breakthroughs should others be watching in your field? How can inter-religious dialogue and partnership impact your work?
The submission deadline has now past. Presenters will be notified of their acceptance by March 20
Possible paper topics: Research, experiences, or insights on:
- Art and theology/faith
- Programming for youth, adults, or elders
- Grief and dying
- Egalitarianism
- Pastoral Care
- Preaching
- Contemplative practices
- Interfaith dialogue
- Faith and the environment / climate change
And more!
Scholarly papers, panels, and workshop proposals accessible to educated non-specialists are welcome.This includes research from scholars, community leaders, activists, and practitioners who are spiritually engaged with their work in a variety of fields (i.e., from a social worker, artist, LGBTQ activist, etc. who works with a religious community, or whose work involves spirituality).
Conference papers can draw on theology, religious studies, biblical studies, Indigenous studies, sociology, political science, legal studies, philosophy, literature, history, the arts, gender studies, disability studies and more. They can focus on one or multiple traditions, and can be grounded in any spiritual or non-theistic tradition.
Proposal Preparation Guidelines and Deadlines: Proposal with paper, panel, or workshop title, abstract (150–200 words), 50-word bio, and contact info March 9 to nhayward@vst.edu. Presenters will be notified of their acceptance no later than March 20. Proposals for panels and interactive workshops are welcome, and individual papers will be grouped into thematic panels. Final papers (3,000 words) are due May 15.
Submission & Notification Schedule: Proposal with paper, panel, or workshop title, abstract (150–200 words), 50-word bio, and contact info due March 6 to nhayward@vst.edu. Presenters will be notified of their acceptance no later than March 20. Final papers (3,000 words) are due May 20.
Questions? Contact Conference Director Dr. Casey Collins ccollins@vst.edu or Conference Administrator Dr. Nicola Hayward, nhayward@vst.edu.