Durham Conference September 2026 (update: Call for Papers published)

Ecclesiology and Ethnography Conference 2026

This is the annual conference for the network bringing together scholars working on ethnographic approaches to theology and the study of religion. It is is a wide ranging conference, and part of the joy is discovering a diversity of specialisms and learning. Past papers have included ethnography, anthropology, systematic theology, ecclesiology, practical theology and social science approaches. Attendees range from senior scholars to local ministers and this is an excellent place to present as a post graduate or early career researcher, or as a pastor/scholar in ministry. Learning is generously shared and critiques are supportive. We encourage single and multi-authored papers.

If you are interested in proposing a paper, please click here to find more information and a proposal form.

Call for Papers

The Conference is run in association with The Department of Theology and Religion and St John’s College, Durham University and is based in St John’s College, in the centre of historic Durham. Our meals and accommodation will also be within the college. A limited number of en-suite rooms are available, allocated on a first come, first served basis. St John’s College is about a fifteen minute walk from Durham Rail Station. From Newcastle airport you can ride the Metro to Newcastle Central Station, where you can find frequent trains to Durham. Otherwise, you can book a car with Airport Express to take you from the airport directly to St John’s College.

The Durham Conference is particularly friendly which is helped by the conversations in the college bar, and folk music night on the Wednesday. Bring your instruments and join in!

Details regarding conference registration and accommodations will be posted here when finalised.

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Conference Organising Group

Prof Pete Ward, Durham University; Dr Knut Tveitereid, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Oslo; Dr Susanna Snyder, University of Oxford; Dr Jasper Bosman, Theological University Utrecht.

Conference Advisory Group

Prof. Paul Fiddes, Oxford University; Rev Dr Christian Scharen, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago; Dr Tone Kaufman, MF Norwegian School of Theology