Call for Papers: 7th International Ecumenical Fellowship Africa Chapter (IEF) in partnership with Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara–Uganda
Theme: Religion and Health
Background
International Ecumenical Fellowship (IEF) is an inter-religious community-based organization that brings together all Christians across the world to share knowledge and experience on how to deal with community problems affecting the globe. IEF brings Christians across the divides of language, ethnicity, gender, nationality, political structures, spirituality and Church traditions. The fellowship holds bi-annual conferences aimed at bridging, building and forging collaborations that make the world a better place to live in. In Africa, IEF activities are run by Africa Chapter Secretariat currently housed at Bishop Stuart University-Mbarara, Uganda.
This conference is slated for 29th – 31st July 2026. The theme of the conferences is: Religion and Health. It follows six IEF conferences. The first one was held at Uganda Christian University-Mukono from 13th-14th February 2010 under the theme “Religion, Peace and Development”. The second one was held at Bishop Stuart University Mbarara, Uganda from 10th-11th January 2013 under the theme “Healing wounded history”. The third one was held at Tangaza in Nairobi Kenya from 26th – 28th May 2016. The fourth and fifth were held at Lake View Resort Hotel in Mbarara City Uganda from 8th– 9th August 2018 under the theme “Unity in Diversity” and from 1st -2nd September 2022 under the theme “Reconciliation and Restoration; the how for African Refugees” respectively. The 6th conference was held at Las Vegas Hotel in Mbarara city Uganda from 15th to 17th August 2024 under the theme “Religion and Development”
The theme for the upcoming conference is timely and relevant because challenges relating to health are of great concern world over as per SGD 3. The IEF conference will also be used as an opportunity to re-ignite other International Ecumenical Movements across different countries. These will spearhead national, regional and International ecumenical activities in respective countries. This conference therefore, will act as an avenue for sharing knowledge and experiences concerning spiritual well-being and mental health; Religion, diet and life style; Religious beliefs and health care decisions. As part of IEF the conference, presentations and discussions will be made.
Abstract papers are invited from interested presenters from any part of the globe and the focus is on any of the following thematic areas:
- Spiritual Well-being and Mental Health
- Religion, Diet, and Lifestyle
- Religious Beliefs and Health Care Decisions
- Religious Beliefs, Gender Dynamics, and Health
- HIV/AIDS and Religious Beliefs
- Artificial Intelligence in Religion and Health
- Religion, Climate Change, and Health
Abstract papers may address any of the above or related issues and should not be between 150-250 words. For submission and further information, please contact iefuganda@gmail.com, and copy to jatwiine@beg.bsu.ac.ug
Paper format: abstract, background, problem, mini literature, approach/methodology, key facts and findings, discussion and way forward.
NOTE: Non-paper presenters are also welcome to attend and participate in the conference discussions.
Conference Venue: Las Vegas Hotel, Mbarara City, Mbarara District, Uganda from 29th – 31st July 2026
We warmly invite all participants, presenters, and interested attendees to register for the IEF conference.
Please register for this event on: 7th International Ecumenical Fellowship Africa
2026 IEF CONFERENCE CONCEPT NOTE-
Event Details: https://ecumenicalfellowshipafrica.org/event/international-ecumenical-fellowship-conference-africa-2026/