Durham Conference September 2026 (update: Conference Registration Now Open)

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 approaches rooted in and drawing on practical theology, ethnography, systematic theology, ethics, ecclesiology, and social science. Attendees range from senior scholars to local ministers and this is an excellent place to present as a postgraduate 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.

We are delighted to announce that registration for the Ecclesiology and Ethnography conference 2026 in Durham is now open! If you are interested in proposing a paper, please click here to find more information and a proposal form.

Call for Papers Conference Registration

Important Information on Conference Registration (Please Read Carefully)

• We have recently onboarded a new booking system. Thank you for your patience, and please contact us with any issues at johns.conferences@durham.ac.uk.
• When booking, please select only the dates you require. This link is exclusively for EE conference delegates and covers Sunday 6 September to Friday 11 September. For additional dates, please email us.
• A range of room types is available. Please note that en‑suite rooms tend to sell out quickly.
• A £50 conference fee will be automatically added to each booking.
• For twin or double rooms, please ensure you indicate the correct number of occupants, as the conference fee will be applied per person.
• Room rates are discounted for the core conference period; standard B&B rates apply on shoulder dates.
  • After selecting your room and clicking “Book Now”, you will be asked to choose between Full meal package (£110), or Refreshments Only (£18). Please choose the option that best suits your needs. Please do not skip this option as this will cause more admin work down the line. Catering cards for the full meal package will be issued at check‑in.
• A 15% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance will be charged 14 days prior to arrival. Full cancellation terms and payment details are available within the booking link.
• If you do not require accommodation, please choose NO ACCOMMODATION on list of rooms. It charges £1 per day and gives you options to choose your meal package and pay conference fee.

🔗 Accommodation booking link:
https://us2.cloudbeds.com/reservation/4gwFLr?allotment_block_code=b714183

More Information

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!

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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