Conference Archives
Theology International Conference 2026
Fakultas Teologi Universitas Sanata Dharma
Yogyakarta, ID
April 21, 2026 – April 22, 2026
The Quest of Being Human in Our Times
The 4th International Seminar on Theology, Religion, Culture And Humanities
Faculty of Theology, Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (Pontifical Faculty of Theology “Wedabhakti”)
Background
With rapid advances in technology, artificial intelligence, shifting societies, environmental challenges, and growing cultural diversity, the question “What does it mean to be human?” is more pressing than ever. In Asia, and especially in Indonesia, this question arises amid communal ways of life, interreligious exchanges, economic disparities, and the ongoing balance between tradition and modernity.
Philosophy and Catholic theology both provide valuable perspectives on human nature, dignity, freedom, and responsibility. Alongside these, recent developments in biology, psychology, insights from Asian wisdom, local cultures, and contextual theologies contribute new understandings to worldwide discussions on philosophical and theological anthropology.
This international seminar aims to create a scholarly space for thoughtful debate and meaningful dialogue about what it means to be human today, with a particular focus on Asian – Indonesian experiences while welcoming global viewpoints.
This seminar is held annually and organized by Faculty of Theology, Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (Pontifical Faculty of Theology “Wedabhakti”).
Panelists
- Dr. M. Joko Lelono (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
- Rev. Dr. Mark Joseph Zammit (Malta)
- Prof. Dr. Georg Gasser (Augsburg, Germany)
Program
Day 1 – Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (Jakarta Time, GMT+7)
16:00 - 16:10 Opening
16:10 - 16:20 Speech – Prof. Dr. C.B. Mulyatno – Dean
16:20 - 16:30 Speech – Albertus Bagus Laksana SJ, S.S., Ph.D. – Rector
16:30 - 17:15 Speaker 1 (Dr. M. Joko Lelono)
17:15 - 18.00 Speaker 2 (Rev. Dr. Mark Joseph Zammit)
18:00 - 18.45 Speaker 3 (Prof. Dr. Georg Gasser)
18:45 - 19:00 Break
19:00 - 19:45 Discussion
19:45 - 20:00 Closing (Announcement, etc.)
Day 2 - Wednesday, April 22, 2026 (Jakarta Time, GMT+7)
16:00 - 16:10 Opening
16:10 - 17:10 Parallel Session 1
17:10 - 18:10 Parallel Session 2
Participation
Registration: https://s.usd.ac.id/theoicon2026
Call For Paper: Overview
Abstract Submission: https://s.usd.ac.id/submission2026
Venue
Online via Zoom MeetingTheology International Conference 2025
Fakultas Teologi Universitas Sanata Dharma
Alamat
Kampus IV, Jl. Kaliurang Km 7
Kotak Pos 1194
Yogyakarta 55011
Telp. +62 274-880957
Fax. +62 274-888148
Yogyakarta, ID
March 27, 2025 – March 28, 2025
The Future of Faith: Exploring the Dispute and Legacy of the Nicaean Council in Asia
3rd International Conference on Theology, Religion, Culture and Humanities
Faculty of Theology, Sanata Dharma University
Pontifical Faculty of Theology “Wedabhakti”
1. Conference Overview
The international conference “The Future of Faith: Exploring the Disputes and Legacy of the Nicean Council in Asia” aims to examine the historical impact and contemporary relevance of the First Council of Nicea (325 CE) in Asian Christian contexts, interfaith dialogues, and theological developments. We are interested not only in the Nicene Creed as the “result” of the council but also in the historical context, method and model taken by council fathers as well as the impact of the council on the future of Christian faith, especially when it is confronted with contemporary challenges, such as secularism, scientific development, intercultural and interreligious encounter and social problems. Two fundamental questions we are going to explore in this international conference are: First, what was the dispute and historical legacy of the Nicean Council? Second, which relevance would this council have especially when Christian faith is faced with Asian challenges such as secularism, scientific development, intercultural and interreligious encounter and social problems?
2. Conference Objectives
- Analyze the historical significance of the Nicean Council’s decisions in Asian Christianity
- Examine contemporary interpretations of Nicean theology in various Asian contexts
- Explore the intersection of Nicean orthodoxy with Asian philosophical traditions
- Investigate the role of Nicean creeds in modern Asian Christian denominations
- Address challenges in contextualizing Nicean theology in multi-cultural and multi-religious Asian societies
- Address the relevance of Nicean Council for solving social problems in Asia.
3. Conference Scope
The scope of the conference is, but not limited to:
3.1. Historical Perspectives
- Early Christian communities in Asia and their reception of Nicean theology
- Historical disputes and adaptations in Asian contexts
3.2. Theological Discourse
- Trinitarian theology in Asian Christian thought
- Interreligious dialogue and Nicean orthodoxy
- Ecumenical movements and Nicean unity in Asia
- Future directions for Asian Christian theology
- Orthodoxy of Christianity and the Youth in Asia
3.3. Cultural Integration
- The Nicene Council and inculturation of faith
- The reception of the Nicene creed in a multicultural Church
- Religious belonging of Christians in Asia
- Modern apologetics and interreligious dialogue
3.4. Social Problems and Orthodoxy of Faith
- The order and circularity between faith in action and in the celebration (sacraments)
4. Participants
- Theologians and religious scholars, including graduate and postgraduate theological students
- Church leaders and clergy
- Religious studies researchers
- Interfaith dialogue practitioners
- Cultural studies experts
- Church historians
- Religious education specialists
5. Keynote Speakers
5.1. Exploring the Dispute and Legacy of Nicaean Council
- Moderator: Frederick Ray Popo, SJ
- Speaker 1: Prof. Dr. Markus Schmidt, SJ (Austria)
- Speaker 2: Dr. Agus Widodo, Pr (Indonesia)
5.2. The Future of Faith: Nicaea in Asia Today
- Moderator: Jacques Cavin
- Speaker 3: Dr. Patrick Nogoy, SJ (Philippines)
- Speaker 4: Dr. Thomas Kristiatmo, S.S., M.Hum., S.T.L (Indonesia-Italy)
6. Expected Outputs
- Conference proceedings
- Selected papers will be published in journals
7. Technical Requirements
7.1. Paper Submissions
- Abstract length: 300-500 words
- Full paper length: 6,000-8,000 words
- Format: Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition
- Language: English (with provisions for translations)
8. Program
Day 1 - Thursday, March 27, 2025 (Jakarta Time, GMT+7)
16:00 - 16:10 Registration
16:10 - 16:20 Opening Ceremony The University Rector (Albertus Bagus Laksana SJ, S.S., Ph.D.)
16:20 - 16:30 The Dean of Faculty (Dr. C.B. Mulyatno)
16:30 - 17:00 Keynote Speaker 1 (Prof. Dr. Markus Schmidt, SJ)
17:00 - 17.30 Keynote Speaker 2 (Dr. Agus Widodo)
17:30 - 18.00 Discussion
18:00 - 18:10 Break
18:10 - 18:40 Keynote Speaker 3 (Dr. Patrick Nogoy, SJ)
18:40 - 19:10 Keynote Speaker 4 (Dr. Thomas Kristiatmo, S.S., M.Hum., S.T.L)
19:10 – 19:40 Discussion
19:40 - 20:00 Closing (Announcement, etc.)
Day 2 - Friday, March 28, 2025 (Jakarta Time, GMT+7)
16:00 - 16:10 Opening
16:10 - 17:10 Parallel Session 1
17:10 - 18:10 Parallel Session 2
For complete program please download this booklet: Conference Book
Theology International Conference 2024
Faculty of Theologi, Universitas Sanata Dharma
Jl. Kaliurang Km. 7
Yogyakarta, ID
March 19, 2024 – March 20, 2024
International Seminar on "Faith in Action: Theology for a Changing World"**
Considering the role of theology in appreciating cultural diversity and promoting social cohesion amid cultural tensions.
19-20th March 2024
Faith in Action: Theology for a Changing World
The International Seminar on "Faith in Action: Theology for a Changing World - Embracing Cultural Diversity, Fostering Social Cohesion" aims to explore the dynamic relationship between faith, theology, and our rapidly changing global landscape. With our world becoming increasingly interconnected, the role of theology in appreciating cultural diversity and promoting social cohesion amid cultural tensions becomes ever more crucial. This seminar seeks to unlock the transformative potential of theology, acting as a unifying force that inspires positive action and nurtures an environment where diverse communities can coexist harmoniously.
At the core of faith lies theology, the systematic study of religious beliefs, rituals, and practices. It provides a framework for understanding the relationship between humanity, the cosmos, and the divine, guiding ethical conduct and social engagement. Embracing the wisdom found in theological insights, we uncover commonalities that transcend differences, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and shared humanity among diverse communities.
Cultural diversity enriches human existence, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of traditions, languages, and customs. Theological perspectives that appreciate cultural diversity recognize that each community interprets religious teachings through their unique cultural heritage. This acknowledgement fosters theological discourse that encourages interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and inclusive approaches to societal challenges.
In a world where cultural tensions and conflicts may arise from misunderstandings about the "other," theology offers a pathway to foster social cohesion. By emphasizing shared values such as compassion, justice, and love, theology encourages dialogue and mutual understanding. Engaging with theological principles nurtures empathy and respect, breaking down barriers that divide us, and promoting an environment where diverse communities can coexist harmoniously.
The transformative role of theology extends to addressing contemporary social challenges, such as poverty, environmental degradation, discrimination, and religious conflicts. By analyzing religious teachings in light of these issues, theology inspires faith communities to be proactive agents of positive change. The seminar will explore how theology can advocate for justice, equality, and human rights, fostering an environment where faith becomes a force for positive social transformation.
Faith communities, as custodians of theology, possess unique influence. This seminar seeks to empower faith communities to proactively address cultural tensions and social problems. By harnessing theological principles and promoting interfaith cooperation, these communities can become beacons of compassion, peace, and social justice, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive world grounded in shared values rooted in faith.
This seminar offers an enriching platform to explore the transformative potential of theology. Through engaging discussions and thought-provoking presentations, participants will gain insights into how theology transcends boundaries, bridges cultures, and fosters harmony. Let us renew our commitment to faith in action, using it as a guiding force to inspire compassion, empathy, and solidarity among all peoples, creating a more inclusive, interconnected, and compassionate world for generations to come.
Theology International Conference 2023
Faculty of Theologi, Universitas Sanata Dharma
Jl. Kaliurang Km. 7
Yogyakarta, ID
September 1, 2023 – September 2, 2023
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THEOLOGY, RELIGION, CULTURE, AND HUMANITIES
Re-Imagining Theology, Religion, Culture, and Humanities Studies for Public Life
28-29 March, 2023 - Online Zoom, Start at 16:00 Western Indonesian Time (GMT +7)
Conference Focus
The dynamics of traditional religion in the public sphere no longer appear black and white, but rather as a richly colored reality that invites further interpretation. In the western hemisphere, various sociological studies show convincing predictions about the decline in affiliation with traditional religions, particularly among young people. Religion is no longer “the sacred canopy” and the final reference for interpreting human life’s struggles. However, in some other parts of the world (particularly Asia) religion appears to be very dominant, if not to say it is intrusive. Religion remains the main reference when people talk about res publica. When religion is still valued as the dominant reference, the challenge is to figure out how religion can avoid falling into internal debates about focusing on individual yet personal piety. The richness of religious traditions should be reinterpreted so that religion is able to make a positive contribution to the growth of collective determination to answer pressing public issues, such as the environmental crisis, conflict and migration, the dominance of economic sphere on the dynamics of politics and communal life, corruption, the widespread demand to recognize personal rights that have not been recognize in traditional societies.
