Society invites proposals for papers to be delivered at its fifteenth annual conference, which will take place at Chuo University’s Tama Campus in Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan, from Thursday morning, 17 September to Saturday afternoon, 19 September 2026. The conference will be convened by Prof. Kazuhiko Demura, with the assistance of Dr. Naoki Kamimura (Tokyo Gakugei University). Papers on original, unpublished topics should be 30 minutes in duration (20 minutes for delivery and 10 minutes for discussion). The Society welcomes all proposals exploring any theme relevant to the early Christian world, from the New Testament to the end of Late Antiquity. Proposals focusing on this year’s theme, “Rhetoric and Philosophy in Early Christianity,” are especially welcome.

 

Papers may approach the theme from a variety of perspectives, such as the use of rhetoric in the correspondence, sermons, and polemical writings of Christian writers and bishops, and its application to the Church’s political and social activities. Topics on the Greco-Roman tradition of rhetoric and philosophy in Late Antiquity as a backdrop to Early Christianity are also welcome. Other papers may focus on the relationship between rhetoric and philosophy in Christian theoretical and/or practical engagements.

 

A 150-word abstract should be sent by 31 March, 2026 to Prof. Kazuhiko Demura (demura.kzhk@gmail.com) and Assoc. Prof. Geoffrey D. Dunn (gdd62au@hotmail.com) as an attachment. Please indicate in your email what technological requirements you have in terms of Powerpoint and the like. Further questions can be addressed to Kazuhiko and Naoki. Other proposals besides the conference theme are most welcome. Papers are presented in English (or other languages as appropriate). Our practice is that all conference presenters distribute copies of their papers (minus notes) in English to participants to minimise language difficulties. Presenters need to bring their own copies for distribution (typically about 20–30 per session). Registration forms and further details will be available soon on this website shortly. There will be an opportunity for some cultural event in Hachioji around the campus on the Friday afternoon, before a conference dinner that evening.