International Journal of Catholic Studies
Special Feature: The Reformation and Ecumenism
Publication: December 2026
The Reformation, a revolutionary movement that swept through all spheres of Western society, has profoundly shaped modern and contemporary theology, philosophy, science, and socio-political and economic structures. The International Journal of Catholic Studies, co-published by The Chinese University of Hong Kong Press and the Centre for Catholic Studies, invites scholars to contribute to an upcoming issue on “The Reformation and Ecumenism”. This volume aims to bring together diverse perspectives on the Reformation to explore its historical and theological significance, its lasting impact on Christianity and society, and the current prospects and trajectory of the ecumenical movement.
Core Issues:
What was the historical context and intellectual evolution surrounding the Reformation? How should we understand the theological ideas of the period, such as the thoughts of Martin Luther, John Calvin, the Council of Trent, and the Jesuits? How should we evaluate the outcomes and costs of the Reformation, including its role in shaping modernity, denominational pluralism and conflicts, and the corresponding reform within Catholicism? How can we reflect on the political and power dynamics of the Reformation era and the social structures they established? Finally, how can we forge a way forward for ecumenism? This special feature will explore these fundamental questions from philosophical, theological, and historical perspectives.
Scope and Approach:
We welcome contributions from domestic and international experts in fields such as philosophy, theology, history, and textual studies. This issue will examine how different academic traditions and approaches interpret the Reformation as a pivotal intellectual event, seeking to understand, assess, and reflect on its ideological and historical significance, thereby exploring pathways for ecumenism.
Thematic Framework:
Following a chronological and logical structure, this issue will explore the relationship between the Reformation and patristic and medieval traditions; the intellectual debates among different figures and denominations; the political and socio-historical factors of the Reformation era; its subsequent influence on modern thought; and the path toward ecumenism.
Submission Guidelines:
Articles must be original and unpublished. The word count for the Chinese articles is preferably between 8,000 and 15,000 characters (max. 20,000 characters); Chinese book reviews should be at least 3,000 characters. Essays in English should be between 6,000 and 10,000 words (max. 15,000 words); English book reviews should be at least 1,000 words. Critical apparatus may be included where necessary. All submissions must include a 300-500 words/characters abstract in both Chinese and English, along with 3-5 keywords. After receiving the manuscript, the editorial board will invite a blind peer review by two scholars. Review opinions will be returned to the author within two months.
Submissions may address specific case studies, comparative research, or shifts in research paradigms. We particularly encourage research that highlights the differences among various academic traditions, explores the intellectual inquiries and policy studies of different Christian denominations in response to the Reformation, examines their views and initiatives regarding ecumenism, or proposes innovative solutions to complex questions. This collaborative project aims to promote meaningful dialogue across academic traditions.
Topics of Interest:
● The thought and classics of Reformers
● The Catholic Church’s response to the Reformation
● Historical and socio-political studies of the Reformation
● The Reformation and the rise of modern thought and society
● The Reformation and patristic/medieval traditions
● Research paradigms in Reformation studies
● Perspectives of Various Christian Denominations on Ecumenism
● Theological Foundations of Ecumenism
● Practical Models of Ecumenism
Important Dates:
Submission Deadline: August 28, 2026
Expected Publication: December 2026
Guest editor: Prof. Asi Liu (Associate Professor at Southwest University)
Submission: Papers can be submitted through the website of the Journal on Open Journals Hub: https://ijcs.ojhhk.com/CN/home
Contact Email: antoineren@cuhk.edu.hk
Manuscripts should follow the International Journal of Catholic Studies’ standard academic format, which can be downloaded from the Centre for Catholic Studies’ website.
