Conference CFP – The Apostolic Ministry

Conference: “The Apostolic Ministry”: History, Theology, and Ecumenism

Host: Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University

Dates: October 26–27, 2023

Submissions Due: July 14, 2023

Paper proposals are invited for a conference on the theme of the “apostolic ministry.” This two-day conference will explore the ways in which churches claim “apostolicity,” and what this ideal means for broader questions of ecumenism and inter-communion.

The conference aims to bring together theologians, historians, ordained ministers, canon lawyers, ecclesiologists, ecumenists, and students and seminarians interested in exploring questions such as:

• What is the significance of the claim of “apostolicity” for theology and practice?
• What does “apostolicity” or “apostolic succession” entail for the various churches within the Reformed, Anglican, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox traditions?
• What is the relationship between the “apostolic ministry” and the ministry of the bishop?
• To what extent is the “apostolic succession” a help or a hindrance to ecumenism?
• What is the significance of the particular ways bishops are selected across churches?
• In light of the practice of the “Early Church,” what does it mean to have bishops with overlapping territorial jurisdictions across denominations?
• What are the theological, historical, and practical implications of inter-communion between churches with bishops?
• What lessons can be learned from failed attempts at shared ministry between Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches across the twentieth century?
• What are the ramifications of these questions for practical ecumenism in churches, seminaries, and other institutions?

We welcome proposals that address any aspect of this theme and its implications, including from historical, theological, and practical perspectives. We invite submissions from theologians of diverse disciplines including systematics, church history, canon law, and ecumenism. We welcome and encourage submissions from scholars and practitioners of all backgrounds and identities, including those historically underrepresented in academia. Graduate students are also encouraged to submit proposals. 

Proposals should be submitted online through the portal HERE. 

Please address any questions to Chris Adams or Matthew Reese at matthew.reese@yale.edu with the subject line “Apostolic Ministry Conference Proposal.” The conference will be hosted by the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University. Pending peer review, we anticipate publishing selected papers in Anglican & Episcopal History.

Submission deadline: Friday 14 July 2023, 11:59 PM ET [extended]

Notification of acceptance: July 30, 2023 Conference Dates: October 26-27, 2023

For more information, see the conference website.