Ecclesiology

2027 Call for Papers 

Grace Agolia, Boston College (MA)

agolia@bc.edu

Deepan Rajaratnam, College of St. Benedict and St. John's University (MN)

drajaratn001@csbsju.edu

The Ecclesiology Unit of the College Theology Society invites paper and panel proposals exploring the intersection of ecclesiology with this year’s theme, “Mary, Seat of Wisdom: Refuge and Rabble-Rouser.” 

We welcome submissions that examine Marian doctrine, piety, saintly example, and prophetic witness for their import in addressing contemporary ecclesiological questions and lived ecclesial realities, from synodality to migration. What does it mean to call Mary the “Seat of Wisdom,” a “refuge,” or even a “rabble-rouser” today in light of the historical and theological development of the church’s veneration of Mary? What are the implications of such retrieval and/or reorientation for how we think theologically about the church and its mission in the world?

In relation to the conference theme, specific areas of interest include:

• Evaluating the ecclesiological significance of the recent DDF document, Mater populi fidelis (October 7, 2025), on Mary’s cooperation in the work of salvation
• Revisiting the conciliar discussions at Vatican II about whether to include a section on Mary within the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen gentium chapter 8) or to dedicate a separate document to her, and whether Mary should be recognized with the title “co-redemptrix”
• Expounding the ecclesiological implications of a Marian model for a synodal church, as noted in nos. 29 and 155 of the 2024 Final Document of the Synod on Synodality
• Assessing both the value and the limitations of the “Marian principle” in ecclesiological reflection (e.g., Hans Urs von Balthasar; Pope Francis interview in America; Appendix IV in the Report of Synod Study Group no. 5)
• Examining how popular Marian devotion and liturgical feasts may serve as theological loci for ecclesiology, particularly in terms of discerning the sensus fidei fidelium, articulating a theology of Mary within the communion of saints, and developing reflection on the church’s relationship to the Holy Spirit and charisms
• Analyzing the role of councils, popes, theologians, and the sensus fidei fidelium in the development of the four Marian dogmas (Theotokos, Aeiparthenos, Immaculate Conception, Assumption)
• Engaging ecumenical conversation about the significance of Mary across Christian churches, for instance, the 2005 document produced by the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) about Mary: Grace and Hope in Christ or the Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue VIII (1983-1990) on The One Mediator, the Saints, and Mary

We also welcome proposals on any other topics related to ecclesiology that engage with the conference theme.

Submission Criteria:

• You must be a CTS member in good standing to present at the conference.
• Proposals should be 250-500 words and include the scholar’s name, position, institution, and anticipated AV needs.
• Please submit your proposals by December 15, 2026.
• Please email your proposals to both of the Ecclesiology section conveners: Grace Agolia, Boston College, agolia@bc.edu and Deepan Rajaratnam, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, deepan.rajaratnam@csbsju.edu
• Notifications of acceptance will be sent out by mid-January.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and discussing the impact of Mariology on the life and mission of the church.