Name: IEF Conference – Africa 2027
Start: 2027-07-07T00:00:00+03:00
End: 2027-07-09T23:59:59+03:00
Location: Las Vegas Hotel, Mbarara City

CALL FOR PAPERS – 7TH INTERNATIONAL ECUMENICAL FELLOWSHIP AFRICA CHAPTER CONFERENCE 2027

In partnership with Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Uganda

Theme: Religion and Health

Conference Dates: 7–9 July 2027
Venue: Las Vegas Hotel, Mbarara City, Uganda

Background

The International Ecumenical Fellowship (IEF) is an ecumenical community that brings together Christians from across the world to share knowledge and experiences on addressing community challenges. IEF promotes fellowship and collaboration across differences in language, ethnicity, gender, nationality, political structures, spirituality, and church traditions.

The Fellowship holds conferences every two years to build bridges, strengthen relationships, and promote collaboration towards making the world a better place. In Africa, IEF activities are coordinated by the Africa Chapter Secretariat, currently hosted at Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara, Uganda.

The 7th International Ecumenical Fellowship Africa Chapter Conference will take place from 7–9 July 2027 at Las Vegas Hotel, Mbarara City, Uganda, in partnership with Bishop Stuart University.

The conference follows six previous IEF conferences. The first was held at Uganda Christian University, Mukono, in February 2010 under the theme “Religion, Peace and Development.” Subsequent conferences explored themes including “Healing Wounded History,” “Unity in Diversity,” “Reconciliation and Restoration: The How for African Refugees,” and “Religion and Development.”

The theme, “Religion and Health,” is timely and relevant given the global importance of health and well-being, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.

The conference will provide a platform for researchers, religious leaders, health professionals, academics, students, and community practitioners to exchange knowledge and experiences on the relationship between religion and health.

It will explore how religious beliefs, spiritual practices, and faith communities influence physical health, mental health, health-related decisions, and community well-being. The conference will also provide an opportunity to strengthen ecumenical movements across countries and encourage national, regional, and international collaboration.

Abstract Papers are invited from interested researchers, academics, religious leaders, health professionals, students, and practitioners from all parts of the world.

Submissions may address any of the following thematic areas or other related topics:

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

Suggested Paper Format:

Abstract, Background, Problem statement, Brief literature review, Approach and methodology, Key facts and findings, Discussion, Conclusion and way forward

Important Dates and Deadlines

Abstract submission deadline: 28 January 2027

Notification of abstract acceptance: 11 February 2027

Full paper submission deadline: 30 March 2027

Authors will be notified of abstract acceptance two weeks after the abstract submission deadline.

Papers of an academic nature will be considered for publication in JODET, a peer-reviewed journal of Bishop Stuart University, subject to the journal’s review and publication requirements.