Ecumenism-in-Migration day conference

Victorian Council of Churches - recognition of 75 years

This day conference is one of three events to recognise 75 years of the Victorian Council of Churches on 9th and 10th August 2024. 

It features a keynote address by Victoria Turner, and papers responding to the theme 'Ecumenism-in-Migration: Movement in the Ecumenical Movement'. 

Co-ordinated by the Victorian Council of Churches

Venue: CTM (Centre for Theology and Ministry), 29 College Crescent, Parkville

The cost is $20 to contribute to the hire of facilities. Morning tea and afternoon tea provided, and soup for lunch. Orders for lunch may also be made with the cafe on site (Sage and Grace Cafe offer home made sandwiches, salads, cakes etc, and a 'decent' coffee if required). https://sageleafcatering.com/c...

This day conference engages with movement within the ecumenical movement, exploring dynamics of migration, understood broadly. Important questions to explore include: What happens to ecclesial and ecumenical scenes when people and traditions migrate over oceans and borders? How is the struggle for a more intercultural church shifting ecumenical conversation? What happens as ecumenical commitments and concerns are passed from one generation to the next? What is the ecumenical situation between First and Second peoples? These and other questions explore challenges and opportunities raised by ecumenism in various kinds of migration and examine inherited discourses and practices for their adequacy through the lens of migration.

VictoriaTurner's keynote #1 precis:
Victoria's first keynote will map out the ecumenical movement from a global and generational perspective. Who took the reins and whose voices were elevated? Who took the mic themselves and stirred the pot? How did we end up where we are now? Has movement in the ecumenical movement stagnated, or is it still possible today? 

We explore how the centre of gravity shifting in Christianity affected the missionary and ecumenical movement and their self-understanding(s). The talk ends by thinking about where justice is today in the ecumenical movement and juxtaposing the origins of the movement to the institutional basis today. Our context of neoliberalism and neo-capitalism is profoundly shaping the ecumenical movement today. This talk questions whether the relationships enacted between churches through the ecumenical movement are what was desired by the early ecumenical pioneers. 


A call for papers (please register your interest)

The day conference on Friday 9th August will be an opportunity for people to contribute their own reflections on the theme, Ecumenism in Migration: Movement in the Ecumenical Movement. Papers and presentations may cover migration patterns and its impact on the ecumenical movement in Australia. It might explore the migration of ideas on ecumenism. It might explore the paradigmatic changes in ecumenism. It is a very broad theme and we welcome a wide range of papers and presenters, and anticipate some papers may be published in journals. E:vcc@vcc.org.au


The organisers will decide with presenters on the best methodology for presentation including group discussion and other ways to engage with the content. The organisers will also explore publication opportunities. 

(Note: some presentations may be done via Zoom). 

Important dates to remember

Intent to submit: as soon as possible and preferably by the end of June 2024.
Please include your name, bio, contact details and an abstract of approximately 300 words
You will receive a confirmation email letting you know we have received your intent to submit and abstract and will reach out to you with further information. 

Paper Submission deadline: by Friday July 12, 2024

Papers for presentation - as a guide, 2500 words (ie up to a 30 minute presentation)

Decision date (regarding papers & presentation at the conference): July 16th, 2024

More information: Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. 

Victorian Council of Churches, vcc@vcc.org.au, 0499 726 213, https://vcc.org.au