Catholic Studies Unit

The Catholic Studies Unit invites submissions on diverse subjects in the study of Catholics and Catholicism across time and place. We are interested in proposals that are attentive to the ways in which history and theory relate to one another within the field of Catholic Studies. Co-chairs are happy to consult with those who are developing individual papers, paper sessions, roundtable proposals, or other creative formats.

The Unit encourages proposals on the following topics for the 2026 meeting in Denver, CO.

Environmentalism and Catholicism in the Mountain West

In a nod to the mountain West setting of the Denver conference, we ask for papers that consider Catholic Studies and environmentalism, very broadly speaking, including not only entanglements with the natural world, but interactions among the natural, the supernatural, and the human need for shelter and sanctuary.

Finding Catholicism in Archives 

Prompted by the wider digitization of the Vatican holdings, we ask for papers that consider the work of finding Catholicism in various archives, whether those held in Vatican City or in archdiocese around the globe, but also state-run or private archives that house materials useful to understand Catholic lives and practices. 

Catholicism in Asia

The Catholic Studies Unit seeks proposals that will continue its recent series of sessions on Catholicism in Asia. We invite full session proposals in addition to individual papers. Creative proposals–experiments with method, topic, comparison, etc.--are welcome, as are papers that consider Asia and Catholic Feminisms in a global or transregional context (see call below).

Catholicism in Africa

The Catholic Studies Unit seeks proposals to expand conversation on Catholicism in Africa.  We invite full session proposals in addition to individual papers. Creative proposals–experiments with method, topic, comparison, etc.--are welcome as are papers that consider Africa and Catholic Feminisms in a global or transregional context (see call below).

Catholic Feminisms in a Global Context

The Catholic Studies Unit seeks proposals that will continue conversations begun in a recent panel on feminism and reproductive politics in the Americas. We are especially interested in transregional and global studies pertaining to the variety of Catholic Feminisms. We invite full session proposals in addition to individual papers. Creative proposals–experiments with method, topic, comparison, etc.--are welcome. 

The Global Politics of the New “Counter-Cultural” Catholicism 

Catholic Studies seeks proposals exploring the rising Catholic political counter-cultural class in various locales around the world. Recent decades have witnessed the rise, in many countries around the world, of a Catholic political class presenting themselves as “counter-cultural.” Drawing on  examples of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI as well as an  interpretation of Catholic Social Teaching advanced by figures like Patrick J. Deneen, these leaders have built successful coalitions by aligning themselves with ideals formerly labeled “conservative,” such as “family,” “community,” and “tradition.” At the same time, they position themselves as a haven, a safe harbor for those alienated by a wider culture of wokeness, open borders, sexual libertinism, abortion on demand, and gender fluidity. 

Catholicism and Horror

The Catholic Studies unit seeks proposals that utilize the lens of horror to critically engage with religious narratives that reveal sinister moments in the history of the Catholic Church.