2025 Biennial Conference

One New Humanity in Christ: Glory, Violence, and the Gospel of Peace in Africa

Hosted by the Institute for the Study of African Realities (ISAR), Africa International University, Nairobi, Kenya
October 2025

About the Conference

This Biennial Conference marks the launch of a 3-year research initiative titled

“One New Humanity in Christ: Glory, Violence, and the Gospel of Peace in Africa.”

The project aims to examine the paradox of Africa’s deep Christian roots and its ongoing struggle with violence and conflict. It will explore interdisciplinary, African-contextualized solutions grounded in Christian theology, justice, peacebuilding, and human dignity.

Key components of the research and conference agenda

The reality of violence in Africa, in the context of Christianity in Africa – researching the complexity of the interplay, including consideration of state-sponsored violence, ethnic violence, religious violence, and other forms of violence;
The implications for Gospel witness in the context of violence, which would inquire into the essence of God’s good news. It is proposed that the Ephesians texts provide a point of departure. In examining glory, violence, and the gospel of peace in Africa, the project will grapple with the question “What does it mean to be human, according to the Gospel?”
A multi- and inter-disciplinary approach and conversation is envisaged, which honors African contexts. These will include: Theological and Religious Studies; Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding; Social and Political Studies; Cultural Studies and Anthropology; Human Rights Advocacy in Post-Conflict Africa; Development Studies; and Psychology and Mental Health.
The book One New Humanity: Glory, Violence, and the Gospel of Peace, by Kristin Caynor and Werner Mischke, published by William Carey Publishing (April 2025), will serve as an example of a product of the process.
It is proposed that the research and conferencing will subsequently lead to publishing in journals, books, and monographs that are accessible to scholars, pastors, and leaders, as well as to local and national governments;
The AIU Bi-Annual Peace Building Conference, slated for October 2025, will launch the Project, and the book One New Humanity: Glory, Violence, and the Gospel of Peace will be released into the African market.
It is envisaged that 2026 will be the research phase of the Project, and the October 2027 Conference will be the culmination of the project, through publications and Papers arising from the research

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Building on existing scholarship, we envision a community of Christian scholars and leaders in Africa gathering for a learning journey to grapple with the implications of Gospel witness in addressing the realities of conflicts and violence in Africa.

Research and Conference Agenda

Conference Themes & Research Topics

The interplay of glory, violence, and identity in African struggles
Human rights, justice, and reconciliation in Africa
African social movements and the struggle for peace and unity
The contribution of African religious leaders to peacebuilding; globalization, neo-colonialism, and Africa’s response to violence
Cultural narratives and peace in post-conflict African societies
Peace and development: examining African post-conflict reconstruction
The African diaspora and the gospel of peace
Politics of glory: nationalism, ethnic conflict, and the gospel of peace
Youth, violence, and the pursuit of glory in African societies
Violence, Trauma, and Healing in African Societies

Timeline & Milestones (2025)

Apr–May

Call for Papers

Jun–Jul

Peer review of submissions & announcement of accepted papers

October 2025

Conference convening, paper presentations, research awards, book launch

Partnerships & Funding

This initiative invites collaboration with academic institutions, peace organizations, religious bodies, and donors committed to advancing peace in Africa.

Funding and coordination managed by ISAR – Africa International University.

Call for Papers

Scholars, researchers, faith leaders, and practitioners are invited to submit papers addressing the intersection of Christianity, violence, and peacebuilding in Africa.
Submission Deadline: May 2025

More info & submission guidelines