Psychology, Culture, and Religion Unit

Honoring the Life and Work of Emmanuel Y. Lartey (Potential Co-Sponsor with Practical Theology Unit)

 We are excited to announce a special session celebrating the transformative contributions of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Y. Lartey to pastoral theology, care, counseling, and practical theology. Emmanuel Lartey has profoundly shaped global conversations on intercultural and postcolonial approaches to pastoral care, leaving an indelible mark on practical theology worldwide.

Lartey is widely recognized as a pioneer of postcolonial pastoral care, modeling respectful engagement across boundaries of race, gender, class, culture, and religion. His groundbreaking work, In Living Color: An Intercultural Approach to Pastoral Care and Counseling, has influenced the ideas of countless practitioners and scholars globally.

This session aims to honor Lartey’s legacy through a creative and interactive format, reflecting his commitment to dynamic engagement and intercultural dialogue. We invite proposals that celebrate his work in innovative ways, including 

• Interactive workshops or group activities inspired by his approaches

• Creative presentations or performances highlighting his global impact

• Collaborative dialogues exploring the future of pastoral theology in light of his contributions.

Co-sponsored by the Practical Theology Unit and Psychology, Culture, and Religion Unit, this session will not only be a tribute but also a space for participants to actively engage with the themes that have defined Lartey’s scholarship and ministry. Let us come together to celebrate, reflect, and imagine the future of intercultural pastoral and spiritual care.

Psychology of Religion on Reproductive Health

The PCR Unit invites submissions for papers that explore psychological dimensions of reproductive health, with particular attention to pregnancy, childbirth, infertility, and surrogacy. We focus on exploring the role of religion and spirituality in shaping human experiences, attitudes, and decision-making processes regarding reproductive health. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• How religious and spiritual beliefs influence understanding of reproductive health.

• The role of spirituality in coping strategies and psychological adaptation during reproductive health challenges, such as infertility, high-risk pregnancy, or surrogacy.

• How religion and spirituality intersect with reproductive health policies and practices, and their impact on decision-making and agency.

• The potential of psychological and religious perspectives to inform and improve reproductive health interventions, support systems, and policies across diverse cultural contexts.

   

The Psychological Investigation of Howard Thurman’s Spirituality

In honor of the enduring legacy of Howard Thurman (1899–1981), former Dean of Marsh Chapel at Boston University School of Theology, the PCR Unit invites submissions for papers that explore the psychological dimensions of Thurman’s spirituality. Thurman, a theologian, philosopher, minister, chaplain, and mystic, was deeply concerned with people’s inner lives, their encounters with the divine, spiritual disciplines, and the care of those in need. His work continues to inspire scholars, practitioners, and communities engaged in the work of education, spiritual care, justice, and healing. We seek papers that engage with Thurman’s ideas from the perspective of psychology, culture, and religion. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• How can Thurman’s emphasis on “inner experience” be explored more deeply from a psychological standpoint?

• In what ways do the insights of the psychology of religion expand Thurman’s understanding of an encounter with the divine as a “mystical experience”?

• How does Thurman’s focus on “the disinherited” contribute to our understanding of the psychological impact of systemic oppression?

• How does Thurman’s spirituality—emphasizing forgiveness, peace, and compassion—shape and influence the practice of spiritual care, chaplaincy, and community organizing today?

   

23 Years After Spotlight: Trust, Justice, and Healing for the Life of the Catholic Church

On January 6, 2002, The Boston Globe published a groundbreaking investigation revealing that former priest John Geoghan had abused 130 children, with the Catholic hierarchy covering up the crimes. This revelation sparked a global reckoning within the Catholic Church, marking a very dark chapter, particularly for the Catholic community in Boston, and the pain continues to resonate today. In the years since, efforts to rebuild trust, pursue justice, and promote healing within Catholic communities have been central to academic, religious, and social discourse. As we reflect on the ongoing consequences of the clergy sexual abuse crisis, we invite papers that address the psychological, spiritual, and communal wounds caused by the crisis. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Rebuilding Trust and Justice: How have scholars, educators, and practitioners contributed to rebuilding trust and promoting justice within Catholic church communities in the aftermath of the crisis?

• Psychological and Spiritual Healing: How can psychology, theology, and culture engage in generative conversations to address the psychological and spiritual needs of parishioners and church leaders in the aftermath of the crisis? 

• New Initiatives and Ministerial Programs: What new initiatives, ministerial programs, and spiritual practices have emerged to prevent future abuse, promote healing, and foster flourishing within the Catholic Church? How can the church create more just and transparent systems of accountability and care for its members?

The PCR also encourages and welcomes proposals and roundtables on topics beyond those listed in the Call for Papers above. If you have any questions, please reach out to the co-chairs.