The United Thank Offering (UTO) and Bexley Seabury Seminary invite scholars in philosophy, religion, theology, and other relevant disciplines to offer proposals for papers on The Theology of Gratitude.

This call for proposals comes in recognition that gratitude has become a phenomenon in popular culture and is written about in books ranging from self-help to the Harvard Business Review. Scholarly engagement has developed primarily in the psychological community, which has demonstrated the correlation between gratitude and improvement in personal health and the development of strong, healthy relationships. There is far less scholarship arising within the theological community.

Scholars representing diverse perspectives and experiences from all disciplines, generations, and cultural groups are invited to submit a 1000-1500-word proposal plus bibliography of how they will engage in a rigorous exploration of human expressions while living in a complex world. Submit proposals here: https://unitedthankoffering.com/conference/

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of thought leaders in The Episcopal Church. Six proposals will be selected for presentation at the Convocation and Scholars Conference on the Theology of Gratitude in Chicago, April 23–24, 2020. Housing will be provided; presenters will be responsible for transportation to and from Chicago.

After the conference, the authors will turn their selected paper proposals into publishable manuscripts by August 28, 2020. Peer reviewers will offer feedback by October 30. Final manuscripts are due May 1, 2021. Scholars whose work is accepted for presentation are expected to work with Special Edition editor Chuck Robertson, canon to the Presiding Bishop for Ministry Beyond the Episcopal Church, to complete revisions and refinement. The papers will be published in a Fall 2021 special edition of The Anglican Theological Review (ATR). This special edition will be anchored by the paper given on April 23, 2020 by Convocation speaker Diana Butler Bass.        

Unpublished manuscripts should be between 5000-5500 words in length (including footnotes) and conform to The Theology of Gratitude Style Guidelines.

All submissions should be accompanied by:    

1. a precis between 100 and 150 words in length,
2. a brief biographical statement,
3. a current curriculum vitae, and
4. five to seven keywords pertaining to the subject of the article.

No paper will be accepted if it has been used in another publication.

Deadlines and additional details can be found on the conference websites: https://unitedthankoffering.com/conference/  or https://www.bexleyseabury.edu/gratitude-call-for-papers.

Presentation, housing and meal details will be shared in January with authors whose work is selected.  Please contact Dr. Julie Lytle, associate professor of Educational Leadership and director of Distributive and Lifelong Learning Initiatives, with any questions at jlytle@bexleyseabury.edu.