Call for Papers

26.03.2025: International Consultation: Can Creeds be Universal? – A Dialogue of Pasifika Theology and the Nicene Creed

Call for Papers

Consultation: Can Creeds be Universal? – A Dialogue of Pasifika Theology and the Nicene Creed

24–26 November 2025 | Neuendettelsau, Bavaria, Germany

The Nicene Creed, as a foundational statement of faith for many Christian traditions, affirms the universality of the Church and its teachings. Yet, the expression and interpretation of this universality vary widely across cultural and theological contexts. Pasifika theology, rooted in the diverse cultures and traditions of the Pacific Islands, brings a unique perspective to this dialogue, blending biblical themes with contextualized expressions of faith. A key contribution to this discourse is Upolu Vaai’s Whole of Life concept, which challenges Western dualistic thinking by emphasizing the interconnectedness of all creation—humanity, land, ocean, and spirit. This holistic vision resonates with Pasifika understandings of faith, community, and theological reflection, offering an alternative framework for understanding the universality of the Nicene Creed. How does this relational and ecological worldview reshape our understanding of creedal theology? Can the Whole of Life paradigm offer a deeper, more inclusive vision of faith that transcends cultural and historical boundaries?

This consultation invites theologians, church leaders, and scholars to explore how the universality articulated in the Nicene Creed resonates, challenges, and dialogues with the contextual theologies of the Pacific. We particularly encourage contributions that engage with: • The Whole of Life concept and its implications for Christian doctrine and creedal theology • The relationship between creedal formulations and indigenous theological frameworks • Contextual hermeneutics: how Pasifika theology reinterprets core tenets of Nicene Christianity • The role of land, ocean, and kinship in shaping theological expressions of universality • The Nicene Creed in liturgical and communal practices in the Pacific • Intersections of Pasifika theology with other Majority World theological movements Submission Details

Abstracts should be 300–500 words, clearly outlining the research question, methodology, and anticipated contribution to the consultation’s theme.

Papers may engage with theological, liturgical, historical, or ethical perspectives and are encouraged to include interdisciplinary approaches.

Accepted papers will be allocated 20-30 minutes for presentation, followed by discussion.
Submission Deadline: 15 May 2025
Notification of Acceptance: 15 June 2025
Consultation Dates: 24–26 November 2025 Practical Information The consultation will be held at Mission OneWorld, Neuendettelsau, Bavaria, Germany, a historic center for mission and intercultural encounter. Limited funding for travel and accommodation is available for participants whose proposals are accepted. Languages Papers are to be presented in English. Publication Opportunity Selected papers from the consultation will be considered for publication in a special issue of an edited volume.

Submission and Contact: Please submit your abstracts as a Word or PDF document to Petra.Hufmann@mission-einewelt.de including your name, institutional affiliation, and contact details. For further inquiries, contact the organizing committee at the same email address.

Organized by: Dr. Sung Kim, Mission OneWorld and Dr. Eckhard Zemmrich, EMW

We look forward to your contributions to this enriching dialogue on the intersection of universality and contextual theology.