Sacred Journeys Conference

Exploring sacred journeys: The transformative power of pilgrimage across cultures

Considered to be one of the most ancient practices of humankind, pilgrimage is intertwined with a variety of religious and spiritual traditions, beliefs, and sacred geographies. As a global phenomenon, pilgrimage fosters interaction among diverse peoples from countless cultures, occupations, and walks of life.

Explore the concept of travel for transformation during the twelfth annual Sacred Journeys Conference. This year’s presentations will delve into the practice of journeys through lenses that honor the sacred as understood within various communities and traditions. Abstracts from all academic disciplines, as well as interdisciplinary approaches, are welcome.

Educators and scholars, religious and spiritual leaders, and individuals interested in broadening their understanding of peoples and cultures will walk away with a renewed spirit and a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of pilgrimage. Attendees will complete a short pilgrimage as part of the experience.

Conference details & registration

Dates: June 3–6, 2025

Conference venue: Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Ngunnawal Country

Recommended lodging: Hotel Kurrajong Canberra | Part of Collection by TFE Hotels 

Tentative daily schedule:

  • June 3, 2025: Reception, location to be confirmed, 5–8 p.m.
  • June 4, 2025: Conference day one, Centre for Christianity and Culture, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • June 5, 2025: Conference day two, Centre for Christianity and Culture, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., followed by conference dinner 6–9 p.m., location to be confirmed
  • June 6, 2025: Conference field trip around Lake Burley Griffin 

Registration: Cost is $250 USD and includes conference reception, dinner, daily educational sessions and entertainment, and field trip. Guests are responsible for their own travel, accommodations, and meals.

Register

Abstracts

Submit 300-word-maximum abstracts on or before January 31, 2025. Presentations should focus on travel for transformation and the practice of real journeys under lenses that respect the sacred as understood within a community or tradition. All academic areas of study will be considered.

Special instructions:

  • Please use the following format in the subject line: [SJ12 ABSTRACT] First Author/Author’s Last Name – Short Title
  • The following information must be included in abstracts: author(s), university or professional affiliation, email address, title, and a maximum of keywords.

Submit an abstract

Advisory board

Matthew Anderson, Concordia University, Canada

Amanda Cecil, Indiana University Indianapolis, U.S.A.

Alexandria Egler, St. Francis College, U.S.A.

Nour Farra Haddad, Lebanese University and St. Joseph University, Lebanon

George Greenia, College of William and Mary, U.S.A.

Kevin Griffin, Technological University Dublin, Ireland

Éric Laliberté, Laval University, Canada

Ian McIntosh, Indiana University Indianapolis, U.S.A.

Dane Munro, University of Malta, Malta

Daniel Olsen, Brigham Young University, U.S.A.

E. Moore Quinn, College of Charleston, U.S.A.

Kip Redick, Christopher Newport University, U.S.A.

Alison Smith, The Citadel, U.S.A.

Michael Sprinkle, Indiana University Indianapolis, U.S.A.

Roy Tamashiro, Webster University, U.S.A.

Irena Weber, University of Primorska, Slovenia

Need additional information?

Event questions
Michael Sprinkle

Abstract questions
Ian McIntosh 

Previous conferences
Learn more