RGS-IBG Annual International Conference 2017: Decolonizing geographical knowledges, London, 29th August to 1st September 2017

Convenors: Stephanie Denning (University of Bristol) and Dr Richard Scriven (University College Cork)

CFP: Emerging Geographies of Religions, faith and Spiritualties

In addressing the renewed focus on the geographies of religions, spiritualties, and faith, this session welcomes papers from postgraduates and early career researchers who wish to explore, speculate, and discuss aspects of this area as it relates to their research. Recent engagements with the religious-spiritual have tended to focus on the lived realities, incorporating examinations of embodied identities, everyday practices, diversifying believes, and emotional and affective dimensions. The session intends to reflect on these areas and speculate on future developments, while also capturing how early career researchers are conceptualising and approaching the subject. We are eager to create participatory sessions where researchers can contribute to larger discussions while showcasing aspects of their research.

We particularly welcome contributions that address the following themes:

• Theoretical and methodological opportunities and challenges
• Conceptualisations of sacred/profane space
• Differing forms of participatory research
• The individualisation of religious-spiritual beliefs and practices
• Socio-political dimensions of religious identity
• Shifting social role religious-spiritual institutions  
• Questions of positionality and the researcher’s faith or variation/absence thereof

The session is intended to be interactive, with presentations followed by a roundtable discussion. Each participant will give a short (10 minute) presentation, after which there will be a discussion of the ideas and issues raised involving speakers and audience.

Abstracts of no more than 250 words should be submitted to both stephanie.denning@bristol.ac.uk and r.scriven@umail.ucc.ie by Friday 3^rd February 2017