Links
At IAPT we are happy to see initiatives around the globe that match our intentions of furthering the discipline. Please look into the following information on regional organizations and thematic initiatives:
Association of Practical Theology (APT)
Based in North America, the purpose of the Association of Practical Theology (APT) is to promote critical discourse that integrates theological reflection and practice. Reconstituted from its predecessor organizations 1984, the APT was sparked by the investigation of practical theology as an integrative hermeneutical endeavor at the heart of theological education, characterizing not only the ministerial sub-disciplines but also a manner and method of engaged reflection. The APT meets annually in conjunction with the AAR as an Additional Meeting for a two and half hour session and biennially for a three day meeting. The APT welcomes new members from all areas of religious and theological study who have an interest in the critical examination of religious traditions and practices. Further Information: www.practicaltheology.org
Association of Practical Theology in Oceania (APTO)
The Association of Practical Theology in Oceania (APTO) is a professional association for researchers, scholars and/or practitioners in the field of practical theology. Members have a scholarly interest in the discipline demonstrated by publications and/or other scholarly accomplishments, including a research degree in practical theology.
The British and Irish Association for Practical Theology (BIAPT)
The British and Irish Association for Practical Theology (BIAPT) was founded in 1994. It grew out of the annual Pastoral Studies Conference which had been held at a number of centres for more than twenty years. The annual conference continues to be of importance to Association members. The new organization ensures continuity of themes and interests in the conferences, and in addition is developing new lines of work in the field of practical theology. Its aims are:
- To advance teaching, learning and research in pastoral studies and practical theology
- To promote contact and exchange between the various contexts of practical theology, education and training.
- To organize events and consultations appropriate to the above.
- To foster international links and activities, especially in collaboration with the International Academy of Practical Theology.
- To encourage interchange between the worlds of practical theology, pastoral care and counseling, and local and national faith communities.
International Society for Empirical Research in Theology (ISERT)
Based mainly in Europe, ISERT has a threefold objective:
- offering a platform for the development, execution and evaluation of programs and projects in empirical research both quantitative and qualitative within theology and their theological legitimation
- contributing to the clarification of foundational, epistemological, methodological and conceptual implications of conducting empirical research within theology;
- facilitating an international network for researchers in this field.
Religious Education Association, a longstanding international guild of professors, researchers, and practitioners in the field of Religious Education. The association has its own journal: Religious Education.
Societé Internationale de Theologie Pratique
Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality
Journal of Childhood and Religion
Statement of Purpose
The Journal of Childhood and Religion, a peer-reviewed on-line publication of Sopher Press, provides an interdisciplinary forum for scholars representing a wide range of research fields, interests, and perspectives that relate to children and religion. Such fields may include but are not limited to religious studies, biblical studies, the range of human sciences, pastoral psychology, practical theology, pastoral theology, religious education, psychology of religion, sociology of religion, counseling psychology, social work, and cultural studies. The journal welcomes original scholarship by recognized experts in their respective fields, but also seeks submissions from junior scholars.
Sopher Press specializes in religious scholarship, assembling the best voices and insights, promoting interdisciplinary and innovative investigation, and embracing new technologies of dissemination and empowerment.
Editorial Board: Allan Hugh Cole Jr., Editor (Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary), Marcia Bunge (Valparaiso University), Jeanette R. Davidson (University of Oklahoma), Robert C. Dykstra (Princeton Seminary), Gregory C. Ellison II (Emory University), Rowena Fong (The University of Texas at Austin), Cynthia Franklin (The University of Texas at Austin), David H. Jensen (Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary), Bonnie Miller-McLemore (Vanderbilt University), Julie Faith Parker (Yale University), Barbara Pitkin (Stanford University), Luther E. Smith Jr. (Emory Univesity), John Wall (Rutgers University-Camden), Elizabeth Johnson Walker (Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary)
Scholars interested in publishing in JCR are invited to submit papers electronically to Allan Hugh Cole Jr., editor, at acole@austinseminary.edu. The review process typically takes four to six weeks. Please use Turabian style. Although JCR does not limit length of articles, typical essays will range from 20-40 pp., with standard 12 pt. fonts and margins.