Call for Papers: International Conference – Trust and Dialogue in the Catholic Church: Rethinking Power and Relationship Dynamics

In the wake of recent scandals, the Catholic Church faces a renewed call to become more trustworthy — a call that engages the challenges of cultural transformation and the rising demand for honesty, transparency, and shared responsibility. This journey requires a profound reexamination of how power is understood and exercised within relationships, a task marked by both theological depth and pressing pastoral urgency.

This conference is part of the International Project Towards a Trustworthy Church. The main researchers of this project are Dr. Karlijn Demasure (Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada) and Dr. Sheila McMahon (University of San Diego, USA).

This conference invites scholars, theologians, pastoral workers, and practitioners to explore how trust and dialogue can serve as foundations for renewing relationships within the Church — among clergy and laity, men and women, institutions and communities, and between the Church and the wider world.

Call for Papers

We welcome contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• Biblical, Theological, and Canonical perspectives on trust, dialogue, and authority
• Servant leadership as a model for those in power
• Synodality and participation: new models of governance and shared discernment
• Pastoral practices that foster trust and mutual accountability, exploring power in Church dynamics for the sake of safeguarding
• Restorative dialogues fostering healing and trust
• Communication, transparency, and the media in shaping trust within the Church
• Interreligious or ecumenical perspectives on trust and dialogue
• Sociological and psychological dimensions of ecclesial relationships and authority
• Survivor Movements, Bystanders, and Challenging Power Dynamics

Submission Guidelines

• Proposals can be written in English or in French.
• Abstracts of 250–300 words should be submitted by March 30th, 2026.
• Please include a short biographical note (100 words) with your submission.
• Notifications of acceptance will be sent by April 15th, 2026.
• Full papers can be in English or French and no more than 20 minutes in presentation length.
• A selection of the best papers will be published.
• Submissions and inquires should be sent to: trustresearch@ustpaul.ca

Additional Information

Conference Details:

Dates: 13-16 October 2026

Location: Saint Paul University, Ottawa

Languages: English and French

Keynote speakers present at the conference in person include:

• Dr. Jim Keenan SJ
• Dr. Patrick Goujon SJ
• Dr. Ivo Aertsen
• Dr. Christine Hinze
• Dr. Karlijn Demasure
• Dr. Léocadie Lushombo
• Dr. Annemie Dillen
• Dr. Sheila McMahon

Important Dates

30th March 2026 – Abstract Submission Deadline

15th April 2026 – Notification of Acceptance

13th – 16th October 2026 – Conference Dates

Registration

Online and in-person participation

Early Bird Price: $50 CAD

Fee after 30 June 2026: $75 CAD

* Please note: If you are planning on attending both English and French Conferences you will need to register twice. The total for the full conference is $75 (Early Bird Price), and $50 (after 30 June 2026)

** Please do not forget to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you are traveling from abroad.

*** Scholarships are available to help assist with cover the conference registration fee. If you wish to apply for a scholarship, please submit a letter of motivation to trustresearch@ustpaul.ca

Venue

The conference will be hosted at Saint Paul University, Main Street 223, in Ottawa, Canada. The University offers a simulating environment for academic exchange and networking.

Contact

Submissions and inquires should be sent to: trustresearch@ustpaul.ca

This conference is in partnership with the University of San Diego Centre for Restorative Justice.