4th International Conference of the Network Intercultural Theology (NIT)

Theological education across the globe is facing dynamic shifts and challenges—but how do these shifts manifest in the Global South, where Christianity’s demographic and spiritual center has dramatically shifted in recent decades? While theological faculties in Europe wrestle with issues of financial sustainability, pluralism, and public relevance, universities and seminaries in the Global South navigate their own distinct trajectories shaped by migration, postcolonial realities, and vibrant intercultural expressions of faith. This conference invites participants to explore how mission, migration, and intercultural theology are reshaping theological education and practice in the Global South.

Keynote Speech: New Horizons for Theological Education in the Global South: A Decolonial Approach.

Speaker: Dr. Nicolás Panotto (Argentina/Chile) will examine how theological education in Latin America is responding to the region’s unique cultural and historical realities. His presentation will explore decolonial strategies for theological formation, the role of intercultural dialogue, and how these frameworks offer new pathways for shaping ministry and mission in Latin America and beyond.
Nicolas Panotto: Theologian and PhD in Social Sciences. Postdoctoral Researcher at the National Research and Development Agency of Chile (ANID) Founder and Director of “Otros Cruces”. Professor at the Evangelical Theological Community of Chile. Author of several books and articles in the field of Religion and Politics, Evangelicalism and Pentecostalism, Public Theology, and Postcolonial Theory/Theology.

Participation

NIT promotes international and interdisciplinary debate and invites early-career academics to participate in vivid discussions and networking. Participation is open to all early-career scholars (M.A., PhD, Postdoc) in Intercultural Theology, Mission Studies, Religious Studies and related disciplines. Presenting a paper is not mandatory for participation. Papers (ENG) may address the NIT conference topic or focus on ongoing or future research projects. Every presenter has a timeslot of 30 minutes to use freely by either drafting a short problem to be discussed at length or giving a longer paper presentation with a brief Q&A session. We offer online panels, but in-person participation provides a better networking experience. We, therefore, encourage everyone to attend in person whenever possible. The 4th conference of the NIT is a pre-conference of the annual conference of the German Society for Missions Studies DGMW; hence, participating in both conferences is highly recommended.

Registration

Please submit your paper abstract by describing your topic or research question (max. 300 words) by 1st August 2025 via Google Forms

Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/de/1FAIpQLSfnfAcSBgfs5yIlCxqqI4ZuEwOJbCAkwiNadbG28N0j_7qfaw/viewform?usp=sharing or the attached QR code (see flyer).

Participation is free (incl. meals and accommodation). Due to planning issues, a fee will be charged if there is a last-minute cancellation. DGMW funds the conference. Each individual is responsible for covering their travel expenses. If you have funding difficulties, please contact sandra.langhop@uol.de.