2026 Call for Papers

John Morgan, University of Dayton

morganj16@udayton.edu

Jens Mueller, Notre Dame of Maryland University

jmueller@ndm.edu

The American Catholic Life & Thought section welcomes papers addressing the 2026 convention
theme “Reclaiming Faith Amid Christian Nationalism.” The central question guiding this year’s
theme is: How can Catholic theology reckon with Christian nationalism by exposing its duplicity
and offering alternative theological perspectives grounded in a critical study of faith and ethics?
This section particularly encourages proposals that offer constructive responses to Christian
Nationalism that offers “…alternative theological perspectives grounded in a critical study of faith
and ethics.” Further questions and topics could include:

• Postliberalism and its relation to Christian Nationalism.
• Does postliberalism undergird Christian Nationalism or is it distinct from it?
• What movements, past and current, have shaped Christian Nationalism into its current
form that consolidates power, draws boundaries, and imposes order?
• Has American Catholic/Christian theology been usurped or co-opted or dishonestly
warped into ideologies? If so, in what ways?
• How have communities or individuals responded to—or reacted against—Christian
Nationalism in the past? How could these communities or individuals be appropriated
today in forming a response?
• In what ways is the contested legacy of Dignitatis humanae being reopened and debated?
• Can there be a reconciliation between religious pluralism, liberalism, and Catholicism that
can avoid any form of Christian Nationalism in the American context?

Proposals should be 250-500 words in length. They should include a title, one’s institutional
affiliation, and any anticipated AV needs. Proposals for a panel should be 500-750 words in length
and include the overall title, the general topics for each panelist, and the panel chair. Each panelist
and chair should include their institutional affiliation and AV needs.
Please email your proposals to Jens Mueller at jmueller@ndm.edu and John W. Morgan at
morganj16@udayton.edu by December 15, 2025. Please feel free to email either of the coconveners
with any questions, comments, or concerns. Scholars will be notified of acceptance or
rejection by January 15, 2026.