26/05/2026
Hidden Wounds: The Church’s Response to Domestic Violence
In the framework of the “Ecclesia and the Common Good” Conferences series, the Faculty of Baptist Theology of the University of Bucharest is organising a reflection and action-oriented event dedicated to a painful reality in our society: domestic violence.
The conference aims to explore the role of the Church in identifying, preventing, and healing the wounds caused by domestic violence, combining theological, psychological, and practical perspectives.
🗓️ Date: Friday, 20 November 2026, at 10:00
📍 Venue: Str. Berzei nr. 29, Bucharest
The event is organised by the Faculty of Baptist Theology of the University of Bucharest, in partnership with:
Credinta si Cultura - Centru de Cercetare
Institutul Teologic Baptist din Bucuresti
Project Ruth
An important event for pastors, Christian counsellors, youth leaders, social professionals, and all those interested in the Church’s mission in the contemporary world.
📄 Call for Papers
Hidden Wounds: The Church’s Response to Domestic Violence
Conference Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Abstract Deadline: July 20, 2026.
Submission Deadline: September 15, 2026
Conference Overview
Domestic violence remains one of the most pervasive yet often hidden forms of suffering within contemporary society, including within Christian communities. The conference “Hidden Wounds: The Church’s Response to Domestic Violence” seeks to foster rigorous theological reflection, pastoral awareness, and practical engagement concerning the role of the Church in addressing, preventing, and responding to domestic abuse.
As part of the annual conference series “Ecclesia and the Common Good,” this event brings together scholars, clergy, practitioners, and students to explore how the Church may become a space of healing, justice, and restoration for those affected by violence.
Thematic Areas
Contributions are invited in (but not limited to) the following areas:
• Biblical and theological perspectives on violence, justice, and care
• Pastoral responses to domestic abuse
• The role of the Church in prevention and early intervention
• Counseling approaches and trauma-informed ministry
• Gender, power, and vulnerability in Christian communities
• Ethical and legal considerations in cases of abuse
• Case studies and best practices from churches and ministries
• Collaboration between churches, social services, and NGOs
• Cultural and contextual challenges in addressing domestic violence
Submission Guidelines
• Abstract length: 300–500 words
• Paper length: 3000-5000 words.
• Each submission should include a clear statement of the topic, methodology, and expected contribution
• A brief biographical note (maximum 100 words) must accompany the abstract
• Submissions may be in English or Romanian
• Accepted papers will be included in the conference proceedings
Submissions should be sent to the e-mail adrress: [email protected]
Publication
Selected papers will be published in the conference proceedings as part of the “Ecclesia and the Common Good” series.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact:
Lect. Univ. Dr. Mihail Ciopașiu
Head of the Theology Department
[email protected]
The organisers warmly invite contributions that combine academic rigor with pastoral sensitivity, aiming to equip the Church to respond with wisdom, compassion, and responsibility to those affected by domestic violence.
