The Church and Youth - Spring Conference

The call for papers is now open for the SCHS spring conference, which will be held on Saturday 4 March 2023. This will be a hybrid event run from Edinburgh Theological Seminary. Speakers and attendees will have the option of online or in-person attendance.

We are delighted to announce that our keynote speaker is Professor Stephen Parker (University of Worcester), who has recently stepped down as the President of the History of Education Society (2020-22). He is the lead editor of the Journal of Beliefs and Values and the Brill Research Perspectives in Education and Religion series. Professor Parker's paper is entitled:

'Differentiating religious broadcasting for children and youth in Scotland: Priorities and personalities in the radio years.'

We welcome proposals for twenty-minute papers on some aspect of the conference theme from postgraduate students, early career researchers, and independent or established scholars. Potential subjects include the church's engagement with:

- children and childhood

- education and schooling

- pregnancy and repruction

- family and home life

- youth and adolescence

How have young people been shaped by religious institutions and to what extent have they influenced church culture? What kind of problems do we encounter when we seek to access the child's perspective? Papers might include discussion of the significance and impact of uniformed organisations for youth, the church's role in teaching and learning, and the place of religion in the home and upbringing.

No one period will receive precedence; proposals will be assessed according to their novelty and appeal. Interdisciplinary approaches are especially encouraged - art, economic, gender, literary, legal, political, intellectual, and social historians are very welcome to apply.

Abstracts of 250 words should be sent with a short biographical note to [email protected] by Monday 23 January. Please specify whether you intend to deliver your paper in-person or online when you submit your abstract. Online attendance will be priced at £5; in-person tickets will cost £10 (student/unwaged) or £15 (full price adult ticket) and will include the cost of tea/coffee and a sandwich lunch.

Host or Publisher Scottish Church History Society