Call for Papers
We are excited to extend this call for papers for The Table: Blessed are the Undone brought to you by the New Leaf Network. This event will bring together academics, theologians, pastors, students and ministry leaders from diverse backgrounds to listen to the stories of deconstruction in the Canadian church.
This event and its title were inspired by new Canadian research by Angela Reitsma Bick and Peter Schuurman in their forthcoming New Leaf Press book, Blessed are the Undone: Testimonies of the Quiet Deconstruction of Faith in Canada. You will be hearing more about this book very soon! In like manner, we want to surface the genius in the room and welcome more research and reflection from across Canada.
The New Leaf Network has been a bridge between academics and church leaders bringing together both research and practice, the pracademic. This call for papers continues in this tradition by welcoming academic research and theologically informed practical reflections. Reflections that use the arts to communicate are also welcome. We encourage artists to create art on the theme; more information can be found here [insert a link]
We are seeking papers that encourage fresh questions, spark our imagination, and offer both practical insights and solid academic foundations, creating a space where theory meets practice to explore the Canadian experience of how individual faith deconstruction has led to changes in Christian institutions, including both church and parachurch.
Date: October 4 & 5, 2024
Theme: Blessed are the Undone
Locations:
Onsite in Waterloo, Ontario
Onsite in Saskatoon, SK
Online from where you are and at various engagement Hubs (locations to be confirmed)
About the Conference:
As the church navigates the complexities of post-Christendom Canada, we see how the deconstruction of Christian ideas, practices and structures is a complex process that can lead to a healthier futures. New Leaf events are not only opportunities to learn but also a chance to connect with like-minded Christ-followers. At this event, we will journey with each other as we explore how faith deconstruction has been taking place in Canada.
In addition to the sessions that present these papers, there will be keynote presentations by Angela Reitsma Bick and Peter Schuurman, along with others, and storytelling plus dedicated time for conversation and collaboration around the testimonies of deconstruction in the Canadian Church.
Call for Papers:
While the narrative of faith deconstruction from the perspective of the individual is increasingly present in the Canadian story, the deconstruction of institutions is new territory to examine. We invite scholars, practitioners, leaders and community members to submit their papers and presentations that delve into various aspects of the impact of the trends in deconstruction on Canadian Christian institutions:
What are the trends in Canadian institutions that signal deconstruction is taking place not only among individuals but at systemic levels?
What new practices or forms are emerging on the margins or in quiet corners of Canada when established Christian institutions are changing or challenged?
What biblical voices can be our guides through a season of institutional deconstruction?
What are the leadership approaches that thrive as institutions face decline, change or institutional death?
Submission Guidelines:
If you wish to contribute to this dialogue, we encourage you to submit an abstract of your proposed paper for consideration. Abstracts should be between 250-300 words (while full papers will be 2500 words, about 15-20 min when read aloud) and submitted in Word format via email to info@newleafnetwork.ca by June 28, 2024.
Our committee of reviewers will carefully evaluate each submission, and notification of acceptance will be sent out by July 15, 2024.
Please include your full name, contact information, academic/professional affiliation (if any), and a brief bio with your submission.
Conference Proceedings:
Accepted papers will be made available to conference participants following the event. Paper presentations will be followed by time for Question & Response, as well as conversations with participants.
We believe that your expertise and insights would significantly contribute to the success of this conference and help shape the future of the Church in Canada. We eagerly anticipate your valuable contribution.
Thank you for considering our invitation. Should you have any inquiries or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@newleafntwork.ca.
Warm regards,
The New Leaf Team