Crucibles of Change in Scotland's Christian History

Join us at the Scottish Church History Society's Autumn Conference to explore key moments of change in the nation's ecclesiastical history. The Scottish Church History Society's autumn conference will take place at the Grassmarket Community Project in central Edinburgh on 21 November 2026 and will be on the theme of 'Crucibles of Change in Scotland's Christian History'. We regret that it will not be possible to conduct this event in a hybrid format. Professor Scott Spurlock (University of Glasgow) will deliver his presidential address, titled 'Ulster as a Laboratory for the Covenanting Revolution'. We invite proposals for short, twenty-minute papers exploring the pivotal moments and movements that have shaped Christianity in Scotland. From the Columban mission and the Davidian Revolution to the rise of collegiate churches, the Reformation, Covenants, Enlightenment, Revivals, Industrial Revolution, Missionary Awakening and the "Great Disruption," Scotland’s religious landscape has been shaped by moments of profound change. We welcome contributions from scholars at all career stages and across all traditions. Proposals should focus on a specific turning point, movement, or event, reflecting critically on its lasting historical significance. If you are interested in sharing some of your own research in this area, please send a 250 word abstract with a short biographical note to [email protected] by Monday 12 October. We welcome proposals from postgraduate students, early career researchers, and independent or established scholars. No one period will receive precedence; proposals will be assessed according to their novelty, appeal, and relevance to the theme. Interdisciplinary approaches are also encouraged - art, economic, gender, intellectual, legal, literary, political, and social historians are warmly encouraged to apply. Tickets are priced at £20, which covers lunch and coffee breaks. SCHS members and students are entitled to a subsidised rate of £5. If you are interested in joining the Society, you can do so here. The full programme will be circulated when the call for papers closes.