Faculty of Theology, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, Indonesia
August 3-5, 2026
“Hope in Hopelessness: Theological Responses in Times of Despair”
Many people are experiencing uncertainty, disappointment, and difficulties in this current global era. Distortion of truth, ecological damage, dehumanization, violence, and challenges in digital communications are causing a crisis of trust and heightened anxiety in various parts of life. Caught between hope and hopelessness, we navigate the space in-between, aiming for a better life despite our awareness that we struggle against a host of obstacles. Though tempted to despair, we are called to build resistance and resilience in imagining alternative futures, especially when false hope is promulgated by the religious traditions we have encountered, traditions to which we may belong.
This international conference aims to engage multiple perspectives, including from interfaith contexts, on how theology is responding to the current global challenges. The purpose is to reaffirm the beauty of difference by engaging, from an interdisciplinary standpoint, the possibility of having hope in times of despair. Accordingly, the conference provides space for cross-contextual conversations to strengthen theological discourse in today’s context of hopelessness. It is open to participants from various fields who have contributed to global engagements on the subject of “hope in hopelessness” through related writings. Space is granted for both appreciation and critical insight. With this understanding, three questions will be explored:
- What critical perspectives in theology vis-à-vis “hope in hopelessness” are being articulated today?
- How can resistance and resilience be built into the space that opens between hope and hopelessness in the dynamics of their relation?
- To what extent can reflections on “hope in hopelessness” open up spaces for actionable response in times of despair?
Participants
We invite scholars, students, clergy, interfaith practitioners, researchers, and anyone interested in the theme from all fields to explore how resistance, resilience, and actionable hope can be forged—moving beyond despair to imagine alternative futures.
Expected Outputs
- Conference Proceedings
- Selected papers that meet the criteria will be facilitated for publication in GEMA TEOLOGIKA (a SINTA-indexed journal). However, authors of selected papers are still required to follow the journal’s publication procedures.
Abstract Submission
- Deadline: February 28, 2026
- Abstract length: 150-200 words
- Abstract will be the initial screening stage.
- Please submit your abstract to: https://bit.ly/AbstractSubmission-TheologyUKDW
Originality, Exclusivity & Abstract Content:
- Submissions must be original work. By submitting an abstract to this conference, you affirm that it is not currently under review for publication, nor has it been accepted for presentation at any other conference at the time of your submission.
- The author/s of the abstract must be the same as the author/s and presenter/s of the paper.
- We strongly encourage abstracts to include a clear and concise thesis statement or central research argument. Your abstract should communicate the core claim, purpose, or question your presentation will address.
Our Contact
- WhatsApp : Martha (+62 812-3864-8425)
- Email : [email protected]
Full Paper Submissions
- Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Full paper length: 5,000-8,000 words
- Format: Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition
- Language: English
Timeline
- February 28, 2026: Closing date for call of abstracts
- March 15, 2026: Announcement of selected abstracts
- April 15 – June 30, 2026: Full paper submissions
- August 3-5, 2026: Online Conference via Zoom
Registration
Participation in this international seminar is FREE OF CHARGE. Registration period: January 1 – July 1, 2026.
Click below to access the Terms of Reference (ToR).