International network for
the study of spirituality
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Conferences
The nature of our conferences
INSS conferences are interdisciplinary and inter-professional, bringing together a broad range of researchers, scholars and practitioners from around the world who have interests in the theory and practice of spirituality. They are specifically designed to provide opportunities for hospitable conversations and the creation of syntheses across the international, academic and professional boundaries that often pose a challenge to the development of a 'joined-up' field of spirituality studies. Photo: Melanie Hawes - BASS Conference, Highgate House, Northampton, UK In his Opening Address at the launch of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality (BASS, now INSS) in January 2010, the then President, John Swinton, asked:
Part of the ‘problem’ of spirituality is that it straddles different cultures, academic disciplines and professional contexts. Studies in and of the field draw on scientific and literary concepts, on quantitative and qualitative data, and on objective measures as well as subjective experiences. BASS came into being with the expressed intention of providing a forum where studies shaped by the diverse approaches and priorities of different cultures, perspectives and professional obligations might be brought together in the context of what Swinton referred to as ‘hospitable conversation’ in both ‘physical and conceptual’ spaces. |
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Previous conferences
It is never possible to capture properly in words or retrospect the 'buzz' that arises from the intermingling at conferences of people, personal insights, professional experiences, social concerns and global issues. The creative processes, questions, support and encouragement that all arise from such a mix are the very stuff of what it means to 'confer': 'to bring together'; 'to compare; examine by comparison'; and 'to bestow as a permanent gift' (1). Some aspects of the 'gifts' bestowed by previous conferences are encapsulated in articles in special issues of the Journal for the Study of Spirituality. Links to relevant issues of the journal and to other information about previous conferences are provided in the panels below.
(1) http://www.finedictionary.com/confer.html [17/09/2020]
2010 SPIRITUALITY IN A CHANGING WORLD FIRST International Conference of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality, in association with the National Spirituality and Mental Health Forum Tuesday 4 May – Thursday 6 May 2010 Cumberland Lodge, The Great Park, Windsor, UK A two day conference exploring the relevance of spirituality for the socio-economic, political and cultural challenges of contemporary society Keynote speakers Linda Woodhead: Religion and spirituality: Never the twain shall meet? Bob Neimeyer: Loss of meaning, crisis of faith Rebecca Nye: Children and spirituality: everything to play for Josie Gregory: Maintaining the spirit in the world of work Harold Koenig: Healthy lives? The spiritual challenge of 21st century health care Ursula King: Can spirituality transform our world? Further information:
| 2012 SPIRITUALITY IN A FRAGMENTED WORLD SECOND International Conference of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality Tuesday 15 May – Thursday 17 May 2012 Highgate House, Northampton, UK Keynote speakers Spirituality & Politics: Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin (Chaplain to the House of Commons) Spirituality & Health: Chris Cook (Professor of Psychiatry, Durham University; Chair, Spirituality Special Interest Group, Royal College of Psychiatrists) Spirituality & Religion: Grace Davie (Emeritus Professor of the Sociology of Religion - University of Exeter) Spirituality & Ecology: Sister Jayanti (European Director of Brahma Kumaris, World Spirituality University, Spirituality, Humanity & Social Justice: Paul Gilbert (Professor of Psychology, University of Derby; Founder of ‘The Compassionate Mind Foundation’) Further information: Conference issue of JSS, with keynotes
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2014 SPIRITUALITY IN A CHALLENGING WORLD THIRD International Conference of the British Association for the Study of Spirituality Monday 19 May – Wednesday 21 May 2014 Ashridge House, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, UK Keynote speakers Roger Gill (Durham University) Spirituality at Work and the Leadership Challenge
Margaret Holloway (University of Hull) Spirituality at the Sharp End Michael King (University College London) The Challenge of Research into Religion and Spirituality John Swinton (University of Aberdeen) Spirituality-in-Healthcare: Just because it may be 'made up' does not mean that it is not real and does not matter Further information: Conference issue of JSS, with keynotes |