CFP from the International Society for the Study of Medieval Theology

IGTM- Sessions at the International Medieval Congress 2027 Leeds, 5–8 July 2027: Call for Papers

Communities – Perspectives in Medieval Christian Theology and Spirituality

The main theme of the IMC 2027 is ‘communities’: “The study of communities involves groups of people, their sharedness, and how those groups define themselves and manage challenges over time. They include the individual’s experience, place, and change relative to the group. The relationship between the individual and circle of social actors with whom they interact affects how these groups appear and work as well as how they influence the actions and activities of the individual.” 

Within this thematic focus, the IGTM would like to present perspectives from Christian theology and spirituality. Every Christian community is constituted through its relationship to Jesus Christ. However, this can result in different conceptions and forms of community. Spanning the period from 500 to 1500 AD, we aim to explore the practical and theoretical conceptions of Christian community within theological frameworks and piety. We particularly welcome contributions on the following topics:

(1) The Christian Church as a community

The Christian Church sees itself as a community of believers under the head, Jesus Christ, and as the visible Church in communion with the invisible Church. Within this thematic area, we wish to explore specifically the aspect of community in medieval ecclesiological concepts.

(2) Monastic communities

In this thematic area, we aim to examine real communities within the Church in terms of their self-perception. What constitutes each community? What role do rituals (prayers, liturgy, etc.) or media play? To what extent does the coenobitic way of life distinguish itself from other ways of life (in the world or as a hermit)? To what extent is a specific understanding of community evident among monastic groups in their norms and practices?

(3) Laypeople and Community

The third thematic area builds on the second and considers the extent to which laypeople participate in the concept of a Christian community. This may manifest itself in the founding of brotherhoods or semi-religious ways of life, for example, as a practical expression of a Christian lay community. Alternatively, community may be manifested through shared devotional practices or a strong sense of connection with the saints.

The IMC will take place from 5–8 July 2027 in Leeds (UK), as a hybrid event. However, we expect all IGTM session speakers to attend in person. Unfortunately, participants must cover the costs of the conference themselves (conference fee, flights, accommodation, and meals).

The organisers look forward to receiving proposals for papers in English. A session at the IMC usually comprises three 20-minute papers followed by a discussion.

Please include the following details with your abstract: the title of the presentation; your full name; email address; your postal (institutional) address; telephone number; and full affiliation details (department, institution).

We are planning to publish the conference papers in one of the IGTM’s publication series (probably the yearbook Archa Verbi or Archa Verbi – Subsidia).

Please send your abstract (100 words) by September 10, 2026 at the latest to:

Ulrike Treusch treusch@fthgiessen.de

and Michael Lebzelter michael.lebzelter@ilw.uni-stuttgart.de

Prof. Dr. Ulrike Treusch
Freie Theologische Hochschule Gießen
IGTM Chair

Dr. Michael Lebzelter
Universität Stuttgart
IGTM Secretary