Brief Information
Conceptions of Authority in Roman Catholicism 2026 (CoARC) is an international call for papers and in-person academic seminar focused on authority, co-responsibility, and synodality in the global Catholic Church. The initiative is organized by the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at the University of Southern California (USC).
Selected participants will receive travel funding, a $500 honorarium, and the opportunity to contribute to a future edited academic volume, with an additional $1,000 honorarium upon chapter submission.
Key Dates & Details
- Program Name: Conceptions of Authority in Roman Catholicism (CoARC)
- Application / Submission Deadline: January 30, 2026
- Location / Type: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA (in-person seminar)
- Seminar Dates: June 23–25, 2026
- Organiser: Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies (USC)
- Target Group: Scholars, graduate students, researchers, and practitioner-scholars
- Funding & Benefits:
- Travel funding to attend the seminar
- $500 honorarium for participation
- Additional $1,000 honorarium for selected papers included in edited volume
Table of Contents
Overview
The Conceptions of Authority in Roman Catholicism 2026 seminar responds directly to themes raised during the 2021–2024 Synod on Synodality, particularly issues of collaboration, co-responsibility, and authority within the Catholic Church. The Synod’s Final Document explicitly calls for deeper reflection on the laity’s access to decision-making roles, the pressures placed on ordained ministry, and the continued obstacles faced by women in the Church.
While synodality has strong theological and historical foundations, the theology of authority in a synodal Church remains underdeveloped. This initiative seeks to address that gap by bringing together scholars from theology, sociology, history, law, and related disciplines to explore where authority lies in the Church, how it is exercised, and how it can be reimagined in a synodal context.
The Conceptions of Authority in Roman Catholicism 2026 seminar will be highly interactive, centered on discussion of participants’ draft papers. Topics may include:
- Redistribution of responsibility and authority in the Church
- Comparative perspectives across cultures and Christian traditions
- Vocation, charisms, and ecclesial leadership
- Decision-making challenges and opportunities in a synodal Church
- Sociocultural influences on ecclesial authority
The seminar will also serve as the foundation for a future edited volume and broader public conversations through panels, podcasts, and media engagement.
Eligibility
The Conceptions of Authority in Roman Catholicism 2026 call for papers is open to a wide range of applicants, including:
- Graduate students (Master’s and PhD level)
- Early-career and senior academics
- International scholars
- Practitioner-scholars working in ecclesial or related settings
Submissions are welcome from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including theology, sociology, history, canon law, religious studies, and social sciences. Qualitative, quantitative, theoretical, and synthetic approaches are all encouraged.
Application Details
To apply for Conceptions of Authority in Roman Catholicism 2026, interested participants must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Abstract of 500–1000 words
Submissions must be completed by January 30, 2026 via the official online form. Accepted applicants will be notified by February 15, 2026.
An initial draft paper will be required by June 1, 2026, ahead of the seminar. Following the seminar, selected contributors will be invited to revise their work for inclusion in an edited volume.
For additional context on the Synod on Synodality, applicants may consult the official Vatican resource:
https://www.synod.va/en/news/final-document-of-the-xviassembly.html
FAQ
Is participation in Conceptions of Authority in Roman Catholicism 2026 funded?
Yes. Participants receive travel funding and a $500 honorarium, with an additional $1,000 honorarium for selected edited-volume chapters.
Is in-person attendance mandatory?
Yes. The seminar requires full in-person attendance in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Can co-authored papers be submitted?
Yes. Co-authored submissions are allowed, with honorariums split equitably among authors.
What happens after the seminar?
Selected papers will be revised for inclusion in an edited academic volume and may also be adapted for public-facing formats.
Official Link
👉 Submit your abstract for Conceptions of Authority in Roman Catholicism 2026:
https://sssreligion.org/announcement/conceptions-of-authority-in-roman-catholicism-a-seminar-and-call-for-papers-on-co-responsibility-in-a-global-catholic-church/
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