2023 Unitarian Universalist Studies Network Convocation

Call for Presentation

Students, laypeople, religious professionals, and scholars are invited to submit proposals for the 2023 Convocation of Unitarian Universalist Studies Network, the inaugural international gathering of the new UU Studies Network. This 2023 Convocation will encourage presenters and attendees to engage across multiple and intersecting disciplines with the 2020 Report of the Commission on Institutional Change (Report), Widening the Circle of Concern (Boston: UUA, 2020) which analyzes structural and systemic racism in Unitarian Universalism. Both are available at UUA.org

For this Convocation, we seek thoughtful and creative individual or joint presentations that respond to the Report, constructively carry forward its recommendations, and reflect on how greater awareness of these oppressive structures can inform the study and practice of the past, present, and future of Unitarian Universalism, from a variety of disciplines and perspectives that explore the imaginative, congregational, intellectual, and liberatory study of Unitarian Universalism. While we strongly encourage submissions that engage with the Report and carry forward its recommendations, we will accept proposals that engage your more particular interests related to Unitarian Universalism. 

We welcome traditional and creative presentations. Examples include scholarly papers, reflections grounded in lived experience, art, poster sessions, and conversations around works in progress. Presentations may be made in person or by live remote Zoom discussion. If alternative digital forms of your presentation are needed, please contact John Leeker at jleeker@meadville.edu.

Submit a Presentation Proposal

Presenters should submit a presentation proposal by September 15, 2022. Proposers will receive a response in October. For questions about submissions, please contact UUSN Board Member, Rev. Dr. Barbara Coeyman: revbarbarac@comcast.net.

Distinguished Speaker

Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore

Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore is Lead Minister and Minister for Lifespan Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY. Before moving to New York, she was religious educator and parish minister in congregations in Maryland and Virginia. Rev. Dr. Fenimore is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association Board of Trustees.

She is a past President of the Liberal Religious Educators Association, and a former member of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change and a former VP of the Board of Trustees for Starr King School for the Ministry, and member of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change.

Rev. Dr. Fenimore is an author of Unitarian Universalist Religious Education Curriculum and Religious Education Renaissance Modules, meditations and readings. She is a contributing author in “Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity and Power in Ministry” and “UUA Commission on Institutional Change: Widening the Circle of Concern.” Her Doctor of Ministry area of study is Narrative Theology with an emphasis on Story and Faith Development for African American Unitarian Universalists.

The Program and Registration Information

  • When: March 23 – 26, 2023
  • Registration Opens: October 2022
  • Registration Closes: To be provided
  • Where: Meadville Lombard Theological School, Chicago, Illinois and Online
  • Program:  Program Information to be provided
  • Accommodations: Accommodations Information to be provided