Call for papers: Theology and Culture conference on Gendered Violence

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The Wesley Centre is hosting its first Theology and Culture conference on the topic of Gendered Violence. This will be held in Melbourne from 11-13th February 2026.

Recent research suggests that Christian theologies that focus on men’s headship and women’s submission can support inequality and violence. Other studies also indicate that religious practices and communities can be places of healing. How can we minimise harms and combat gender-based violence in our faith communities? How can we make sense of the interaction between religion, theology, culture, and violence?

This conference brings together theologians, biblical scholars, sociologists, and practitioners to explore the intersection of theology, culture, gender and violence. We will consider a range of questions, such as:

How is theology implicated in maintaining sexism, gender inequality, and violence?
Which religious resources support or undermine patterns of thinking that lead to gendered violence?
How do gendered violence, colonial violence, and theology intersect?
What are the challenges and opportunities presented by doing theology on Aboriginal land and in multicultural settings? What does our Australian context contribute to these theological and cultural questions?
What do terms such as ‘gender’, ‘violence’, and ‘theology’ actually encompass?
How might new practices emerge within religious settings to counter sexism, critique exclusive theologies, or support survivors?

The Call for Papers or Workshops is open now, until 25 August 2025.

We invite submissions for traditional research papers or workshop proposals designed to be interactive or offer practical training in any area of ministry or pastoral/ spiritual or therapeutic care. Details for how to submit a proposal can be found at https://thewesleycentre.org/call-for-papers.

Enquiries can be directed to Robyn Whitaker, Director of The Wesley Centre, at director@thewesleycentre.org