UFS Faculty of Theology

02/10/2026

Academics are invited

Researchers and academics are invited to contribute to meaningful dialogue at the 2027 FESCO Conference.

Share your latest research, engage with colleagues across disciplines, and contribute to discussions centred on ethical governance through religion and engaged scholarship.

Conference Theme
Religion and Engaged Scholarship for Ethical Governance

Abstract submissions close on 30 October 2026.

Academic submissions:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/zDenXyCpdJ

We look forward to welcoming scholars from across South Africa and beyond.

02/10/2026

PUBLIC LECTURE | THEOLOGY FROM THE AFRICAN DESERT

The Department of Historical and Constructive Theology invites students, staff, researchers and members of the public to a public lecture exploring the theme:
Theology from the African Desert

Speaker: Hamid Fernana
Date: Thursday, 8 October 2026
Time: 14:00 to 16:00
Venue: TLG120

Join us for an engaging academic conversation that considers theology from an African context and creates space for reflection, dialogue and scholarly engagement.

All are welcome.

For more information:
www.ufs.ac.za/theology

30/09/2026

POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS: YOUR RESEARCH PROGRESS MATTERS

Are you completing a Master’s by Research or Doctoral degree?

The 2026 Annual Postgraduate Student Progress Report is now due.

This report provides an opportunity to reflect on your research progress and ensure that you remain on track towards the timely submission of your thesis or dissertation.

Reporting period:
1 to 31 October 2026

The report will be completed through the Graduate Research Management (GRM) System.
Save this post and share the poster with a postgraduate student who needs the reminder.

For assistance with the GRM System, contact the GRM Help Desk:
[email protected]
051 401 9430 / 9011 / 9642
Faculty of Theology and Religion
University of the Free State
UFS Centre for Graduate Support

29/09/2026

Final call for abstract submissions.

Time is running out.
The opportunity to present at the 2027 FESCO Conference closes on 30 October 2026.

Join conversations that explore:
Religion and Engaged Scholarship for Ethical Governance

Conference:
22 to 23 April 2027 Faculty of Theology and Religion
University of the Free State

Submit your abstract today.

Student submissions:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/JdAUbR0N7J

Academic submissions:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/zDenXyCpdJ

We look forward to receiving your submission.

28/09/2026

28/09/2026

28/09/2026

Submission reminder

Abstract submissions close on 30 October 2026

The opportunity to contribute to the Religion and Engaged Scholarship for Ethical Governance Conference is open.

The Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of the Free State welcomes scholars, postgraduate students, clergy, practitioners and community leaders whose work engages questions of religion, governance, corruption, leadership, justice and social transformation.

Submit your abstract

250 to 300 words, covering:

• Background
• Aim
• Methodology
• Relevance
• Conclusion

Please also include:

• Author name(s)
• Institutional affiliation
• Email address
• Short biography of 100 to 150 words

Deadline: 30 October 2026
Notification of acceptance: 30 November 2026
Conference: 22 to 23 April 2027
Venue: Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein

Send submissions to both:
[email protected] | [email protected]

Full submission details are available on the conference call for papers.

25/09/2026

Join the conversation

Where do religion, governance and social transformation meet?

The Faculty of Theology and Religion invites contributions to the Religion and Engaged Scholarship for Ethical Governance Conference.

We are looking for scholarship that critically and constructively examines how religion can engage questions of power, corruption, inequality, leadership, justice and political transformation.

Contributions may explore:

• Religion and systems of power, inequality and corruption
• Faith-based approaches to governance, anti-corruption and social justice
• Gender, youth and marginalisation in religious and political contexts
• Ethical leadership and political engagement
• Interdisciplinary and interreligious approaches to public ethics
• Theological and higher education innovation
• Practical models of engaged scholarship and community transformation

We welcome empirical research, theoretical and conceptual papers, case studies, practice-based reflections, policy analyses and interdisciplinary studies.

Conference: 22 to 23 April 2027
Venue: Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein

Submit your abstract by 30 October 2026.

Submission:
[email protected] | [email protected]



The focus on engaged scholarship and its connection to external relationships and societal impact is consistent with the Faculty's strategic direction.

24/09/2026

HAPPY HERITAGE DAY | 24 SEPTEMBER

Today we celebrate what makes South Africa who we are: our people, our cultures, our languages, our faiths, our traditions and the stories that have shaped us.

For the UFS Faculty of Theology and Religion, heritage also invites us to listen, learn and understand one another. Our different backgrounds and beliefs are part of the conversations that shape how we see the world and how we build communities.

May we never lose sight of where we come from, while continuing to learn from one another and build a future that makes space for all of us.

Our heritage is diverse. Our stories are many. Our future is shared.

Happy Heritage Day from the Faculty of Theology and Religion.

UFS Centre for Graduate Support

23/09/2026

Make your research count

Research has the power to shape communities, influence policy, strengthen institutions and inspire future scholarship.

If your work speaks to religion, ethics, governance, justice, leadership or community engagement, FESCO 2027 is the place to share it.

Don't miss the opportunity to present your research.

Abstract submissions close on 30 October 2026.

Student submissions:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/JdAUbR0N7J

Academic submissions:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/zDenXyCpdJ