2023 Conference Call for Papers and Abstract Submission
‘Reconciled Interrelationship’: Wesleyan Perspectives on God, People, and the Land
4-6 August 2023
Sydney, Australia
CONFERENCE THEME
The relationship between God, the people, and the land is a theme that appears throughout the biblical narrative. Whether it is a garden, the wilderness, green pastures, or the New Jerusalem, the land speaks of this relationship. According to Howard Snyder, ‘God intends shalom, a harmonious, reconciled interrelationship between himself, his people, and the land.’
God’s intention for creation, according to the biblical narrative, has been disrupted and diseased by sin. The original harmony we read about in Genesis 1 and 2 has been distorted, causing tension, conflict, and pain. The rest of the biblical narrative, however, describes a God who seeks the restoration of all things, made possible through the person of Jesus Christ, the sending of the Holy Spirit, and the participation of the people of God.
The relationship between God, people, and the land remains in tension: housing crises, migration, stripping of natural resources, violent campaigns to acquire more land, environmental disasters, and the continued effects of colonising land. The reconciled interrelationship is yet to find its fulfilment, but the invitation of God to participate in the healing of all of creation remains.
This conference is a call to reflect on the relationship between God, people, and the land today.
CALL FOR PAPERS
We encourage contributions from all disciplines to address this important theme. In addressing this topic the hope is that we will see a genuine coming together of the Christian community in working together to reconcile interrelationship between God, people and the land. Presenters will be able to present on location in Sydney or online via Zoom. View/Download Call for Papers PDF.
WRITING YOUR ABSTRACT
Abstracts must be no more than 250 words.
A useful abstract will include the following components:
A clear statement of the question or issue to be addressed
A summary of the position(s) to be presented in relation to the question or issue and/or an indication of key conclusions
An indication of sources from which information will be drawn – key writers, research, personal experience, biblical exposition, etc.
IMPORTANT DATES
26 June 2023 - Last date to submit the abstract
30 June 2023 - Successful applicants will be notified
SUBMITTING YOUR ABSTRACT
Online: Submit your abstract using the form below.
Email: Your abstract in a Word document must be emailed to acwr.info@gmail.com Note: The email must have a short biographical statement, including:
Your name
Your Church, academic, professional, cultural and/or community affiliations relevant to your submission
Any experience and/or qualifications which support your submission
Any other information you consider of relevance for the selection panel deliberations
FINAL PAPER
Thirty-minute presentations should be 2500 - 3000 words in length. Papers presented at the Conference may be considered for publication in a book of peer-reviewed essays derived from the Conference. Proposals for fifteen-minute shorter presentations will also be considered from emerging scholars (students) and those who wish to make an artistic contribution on the conference theme.
The ACWR Conference is a safe and respectful space for theological conversation. It is expected that there will be a wide range of views expressed through papers and in responses from delegates. The aim of the Conference is to explore ideas rather than convince others of the rightness or otherwise of any particular position. Therefore, we are looking for presenters who are able to clearly articulate their ideas in a respectful manner, allowing space for disagreement and discussion with others. We will also be selecting papers which represent a range of views. All abstracts will remain confidential to the ACWR selection committee.
For more information email acwr.info@gmail.com
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION FORM