Dominican Theology and Practice Conference: The Past Hundred Years

Dominican sisters and friars, their communities, and their collaborators have made monumental contributions to theological thought and pastoral ministry in the 20th and 21st centuries. This conference seeks to explore how Dominican theology and practice has shaped contemporary theology, ministry, and social engagement over the past hundred years.

We welcome submissions for 20-minute papers that examine Dominican theology and practice. Topics might include (but are not limited to):

• The influence of Dominican theologians on the Second Vatican Council and its implementation (e.g., Edward Schillebeeckx, Yves Congar, and Marie-Dominique Chenu).
• Contributions to the theology of preaching, which remains central to the Order’s identity (e.g., Mary Catherine Hilkert, Barbara Reid, and Timothy Radcliffe).
• Engagement with questions of justice, peace, and social transformation (e.g., Herbert McCabe and Albert Nolan).
• Leadership and organizing on issues of justice and peace, especially from Dominican sisters.
• Contributions to liberation theology and contextual theologies from Latin America and the Global South (e.g., Gustavo Gutierrez and James Alison).
• 19th and 20th century debates over the role of Thomism in Catholic theology. Subsequent contemporary retrievals, contestations, and reinterpretations of historical Dominican figures (e.g., Albert the Great, Meister Eckhart, and Catherine of Siena).
• The emergence of distinctive regional Dominican cultures (e.g., British, French, U.S.).
• Ecumenical engagements involving Dominicans or Dominican theology.

Submissions from scholars and practitioners are welcome. We especially encourage early career scholars and graduate students to submit.

This conference is sponsored by the Meister Eckhart Center for Catholic and Dominican Life at Albertus Magnus College in celebration of Albertus’ centennial year. Registration and meals are provided to participants free of charge thanks to generous financial support from the Dominican Sisters of Peace and an anonymous donor.

Conference organizers include faculty members from all four Catholic colleges in Connecticut: Albertus Magnus College, Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, and the University of Saint Joseph.

How to Submit

Use the Conference Proposal Form to submit a 250-word abstract by December 5, 2025.

Questions

Email eckhartcenter@albertus.edu with questions.