This multi-disciplinary conference follows the initial conference held in October 2011, which launched a five-year project exploring the place and role of religion, ethics, and theology in the new millennium, in light of the major shifts that have taken place in Africa and the African diaspora.

Scholars from Africa and the African Diaspora have been invited to present current research and critical perspectives on these issues at a time when the African world celebrates black power in Africa and in the United States, and Africa addresses its economic, social, political, and religious issues. We contend that despite such achievements, social conditions have declined significantly in Africa and the diaspora.

There are perennial questions about the role scholars of religion, ethics, and theology could play in shaping a multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary quest for justice. Participants at the conference are urged to address the voice—or lack of voice—of scholars in the areas of religion, ethics, and theology in the development of political, social, and economic policies. Scholars and participants are urged to engage in new and broad-based conversations across disciplines on these issues as well as bridge the gap between academia and civil societies.

Sub-themes that should be considered for submitting abstracts include:

• Religious studies in academia today
• Theology and academics in the African and African Diaspora context
• Popular and emerging theologies
• Religion and public discourse
• Religion, ethics, and theology in the development of political, social, and economic policies
• Common ground

Some of the ideas to be touched on are:

• Review and/or refute the Western views on African religion
• How to showcase theology in the various disciplines
• The impact of academia on the community
• Communication between academia and the community
• Academia and the transformation of society
• Gender, colonialization, and theology
• Transformation of society/community after the revolution
• How to deal with the multi-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary quest for justice
• Relevance of theology — having a conversation to bring awareness of spirituality