Systematic Theology

2027 Call for Papers

Sudabée Lotfian-Mena, University of Dayton (OH)

Stephen Okey, Saint Leo University (FL)

Stephen.okey@saintleo.edu

David Dawson Vázquez

ddawsonvasquez@gmail.com

The Systematic Theology section invites contributions on Mary in line with the conference theme: “Mary, Seat of Wisdom: Refuge and Rabble-Rouser.” Papers should address how theology in the 21st century can find new ways of engaging Marian themes or reinvigorating older avenues, using any of the lenses of systematic theology.

Possible approaches:

• Revisioning of one or more of the traditional Marian dogmas about her life with new insights for today: Mother of God, Immaculate Conception, Assumption, Perpetual Virginity.
• Reimagining understandings of her current role in the church: Queen of Heaven, Intercessor, Mediator of Grace, Co-Redeemer
• Assessing Mary’s role in the economy of salvation, particularly in the light of the 2025 statement of the DDF, Mater Populi Fidelis
• The function of Mary as refuge in the church
• Mary as quintessential rabble-rouser
• Mary as refuge and rabble-rouser either on her own or in connection with other figures like Eve, Sophia, etc.
• Ecumenical issues in Marian devotion and theology
• Mary as refuge or Mary used to oppress
• Theologies of Marian apparitions and their use
• Assessment of traditional titles of Mary
• Images of Mary and their theological import

Proposals should be no more than 250 words in length and include the proposer’s current institutional affiliation and position. 

Proposals should be emailed by December 15, 2026 to 

David Dawson Vásquez: ddawsonvasquez@gmail.com

Sudabée Lotfian-Mena: lotfians1@udayton.edu, and 

Stephen Okey Stephen.Okey@saintleo.edu

Scholars will be notified of their proposal’s status by mid-January. Please see the Convention’s Call for Papers and the CTS website for more details at https://collegetheologysociety10.wildapricot.org/. Scholars who are invited to present their work at a national convention of the CTS must be current members in order to appear in the program.  No person may submit more than one proposal for consideration nor will submissions to multiple sections be considered. However, one section may share papers to another if they feel fit is better elsewhere. Failure to observe these policies may result in the proposing scholar’s disqualification to present a paper at the Annual Convention.