GMS 2026 Conference

Conference Committee

• Amaechi Okafor, Concordia University
• Khumbulani Medletshe, Department of Education Leadership and Management, University of Johannesburg
• Vinna Chowriamah, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Carolyne Ngara, National Research Fund
• Jeremiah Moses Sanya Machio, Church History Department, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Russell Stevenson, Office of Research, United States Military Academy at West Point
• Michelle Graabek-Wallace, Church History Department, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Conference Theme

We are pleased to announce our annual conference, to be held on October 22–24, 2026, in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. This annual event gathers a variety of scholars invested in serious academic study of Global Mormonism. Our 2026 theme, “Crossing Boundaries: Mormonism in Africa within Global Christianity,” challenges the traditional North American, white, male-dominated narrative by fostering inclusive, multilingual, and interdisciplinary scholarship. This landmark public conference—the first Mormon Studies gathering hosted in Africa—aims to reframe the field of Mormon Studies by centering African and African diaspora voices. With Africa emerging as the fastest-growing region for Mormon faith traditions, the conference will explore how Mormon beliefs and practices are constructed, lived, and contested within African contexts and global Christianity.

Kenya strategically aligns with the conference’s core objective: to reframe Mormon Studies by centering Africa. The conference will take place in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital and a major hub for transportation and trade in East Africa. Uniquely, Nairobi is the only capital city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, offering a striking blend of urban life and natural beauty. Kenya also has an interesting Latter-day Saint history. On February 25, 1991—after 11 years of persistent efforts to officially register the Church in Kenya, including a remarkable final stretch during which seven members fasted in weekly rotation for 18 months—the Kenyan government officially recognized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We welcome proposals from scholars at all career stages, including graduate students and independent scholars. We especially encourage submissions from African and African diaspora scholars and those working in multilingual or interdisciplinary contexts.

Suggested Topics

(feel free to suggest papers outside of these topics, these are intended as inspiration)

• Race in the context of Mormonism and global Christianity
• De-colonizing Mormon thought and practice
• Mormonism, Christianity and interfaith relations in Africa
• The Mormon image of marriage and family in African cultural context
• Sociopolitical implications of Mormon expansion in Africa
• Integrating global/African art and music in Mormonism
• Gender relations in religious and cultural context

Submission Guidelines

• Submit your paper and panel proposals via our Google Form, available here.
• Proposals should include a presentation title, a 250-300 word abstract that provides a clear overview of the research objectives, methodology, and key findings, and a max. 150 word bio of the presenter.
• Submissions can be made in English, French, Portuguese, or Swahili – the conference will provide translation services based on needs.
• Conference papers will be part of a panel of 3-4 presenters giving 15-20 min presentations each.
• All conference presenters will receive a free certificate of participation.
• We are working on the proposal of an edited volume to be published with University of Illinois Press. Indicate on your application if you would be interested in submitting your paper for publication.

Important Dates

• Paper Proposal Submission Deadline: 3rd November 2025
• Notification of Proposal Acceptance: 3rd January 2026
• Travel Grant Application Deadline: 10th January 2026 (the travel grant application form will be provided to accepted presenters)
• Early Bird Registration Window: 1st March-1st July 2026
• Conference Dates: 22nd-24th October 2026

Registration Fees

Registration fees will be made available in December 2025. Registration will open 1st March 2026, the link will be here on the website. Limited travel grants are available for accepted presenters, which will also cover registration fees.