ACETCL Call for Abstracts and Conference Papers — December 2026 Conference

The African Centre of Excellence in Theological and Canonical Leadership (ACETCL) at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) invites abstracts and conference papers for its conference to be held on Tuesday 1st – Wednesday 2nd December 2026 .

Theme

Doctrinal Fidelity and Cultural Intelligibility: The Role of Theology and Canon Law in Discerning Emerging African and Global Cultural Realities

The 21st century has witnessed unprecedented transformations that continue to reshape cultures, religious experiences, and ecclesial life. Rapid advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence have altered the dissemination and interpretation of truth, while accelerated urbanisation and mass migration have intensified cultural pluralism. Shifting understandings of personhood and family structures continue to challenge inherited anthropological assumptions, and persistent armed conflicts, forced migration, economic inequality, and climate change test national institutions and ecclesial communities.

The conference seeks to bring together theologians, canon lawyers, philosophers, social scientists, historians, pastoral practitioners, and educators to examine how Theology and Canon Law can accompany the Church''s discernment amid rapidly evolving African and global cultural realities.

Sub-Themes

Theology, Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Digital Cultures and Media Ethics

Theological Anthropology and Emerging Understandings of the Human Person

Canon Law, Synodality, and Ecclesial Governance Today

Inculturation, African Traditions, and Catholic Identity

Marriage, Family, and Contemporary Social Change

Evangelisation, Religious Pluralism, Contemporary Spiritualities, and Ecumenism