The Fifteenth Annual REFORC Conference will take place May 19-May 21, 2026, hosted by the University of Wrocław (in cooperation with the University of Cologne and the University of Bonn). Short paper submission and registration are open. Theme Plenary Speakers: Early Modern Christian Materiality.

At the time of the Reformation, new ways of perceiving bodiliness and materiality began to reshape Western thought, particularly in relation to the understanding of the Incarnation and the Eucharist. In a sharp critique of medieval Aristotelianism, especially the doctrine of transubstantiation grounded in Aristotelian hylomorphic theory, the Reformers developed new understandings of Christ’s presence, the Holy Spirit, human being, and the material world. While these reinterpretations varied among the different reformers, they commonly marked a departure from medieval theological frameworks and opened the door to (re)configurations in how materiality was understood, experienced, and practiced. The reconfigured understanding of the sacraments had a substantial influence on liturgy and, consequently, also on ecclesiastical art, architecture, and music. Likewise, the role of materiality in everyday domestic piety was reassessed, reflecting broader theological reconsiderations of how the sacred could be mediated through physical forms.

The conference welcomes proposals for individual short papers as well as thematic sessions of two or three short papers. Presentations should be 20 minutes in length and followed by 10 minutes for discussion.

In addition to the more specific topic mentioned above, the conference is open to proposals focusing on any other topics or disciplines related to Early Modern Christianity, ca. 1400-1700, such as philosophy, law, history, theology, etc., independent of the theme of the plenary papers.

In case of a thematic session (panel) all panelists must register separately, indicating the panel in the registration form.

It is also possible to attend the conference without giving a paper. In that case, you can register for the conference via the registration form, indicating that you do not want to submit a short paper proposal.

The call for papers is open. Short paper proposals of max. 2000 characters can be submitted until February 15, 2026, while registering via the registration form. The scientific committee will inform you on the acceptance of your paper within ca. two weeks of receipt of your proposal. Preferred language for short papers is English, but papers in French and German are also welcome. Presenters who prefer to give their paper in French or German must provide the audience with an English summary of about 150-200 words.

The conference volume will be published by Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht in the series Refo500 Academic Studies (R5AS) and will contain plenary papers and a selection of short papers. Another publication venue is the Journal of Early Modern Christianity (JEMC).

Manuscripts for the conference volume can be submitted after the conference to the editors: Aleksandra Lipińska, Katharina Opalka, Agnieszka Seidel-Grzesińska, and Marcin Wisłocki. Presenters will receive an email invitation and the R5AS stylesheet after the conference. All other manuscripts can be submitted to editor-in-chief of the JEMC, Wim François.

Editors will decide on publication.

Scientific comittee: Aleksandra Lipińska (Cologne), Katharina Opalka (Bonn),  Agnieszka Seidel-Grzesińska (Wrocław), Marcin Wisłocki (Wrocław).

Read more: https://reforc.com/events/fifteenth-annual-reforc-conference-on-early-modern-christianity/