Life and Love Transfigured: Exploring New Horizons in the Franciscan Tradition
An international Franciscan Studies conference hosted by the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University, exploring new horizons in the Franciscan tradition.
The Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham University — International Franciscan Studies Conference Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 April 2026 | Durham, UK
Registration is now open for an international conference bringing together academics and non-academics, religious and lay, who share a deep love for St Francis of Assisi, the Franciscan tradition, and its abiding relevance today.
Confirmed speakers/preacher include:
Fr Casey Cole, OFM Prof Richard Cross Fr Dr Michael Cusato, OFM Br Richard Hendrick, OFM Cap Prof Daniel Horan Dr William Hyland Prof John McCafferty Dr Darleen Pryds
Fees: Standard package £150 (registration, refreshments, conference meals). Student package £115. Delegates arrange their own accommodation (options listed on the conference site).
Registration closes: Sunday 22 March 2026. Places are limited.
Queries: CCS Manager, Theresa Phillips — theresa.phillips@durham.ac.uk
Call for Papers: the Centre for Catholic Studies third Lived Catholicism Online Conference
Papers are invited for the 2025 Lived Catholicism Conference, focusing on synodality, possibilities, and tensions
The third Lived Catholicism Conference will take place online on 2–3 December 2025, exploring the theme: “The Church’s ordinary way: synodality, possibilities and tensions.” Building on the conversations of the first two conferences, this year’s gathering will invite papers and presentations from across disciplines and contexts worldwide, with a particular focus on lived experiences of synodality and its challenges and opportunities.
See full Call for Papers details below.
If you wish to propose a 15 minute paper or a 5 minute presentation, please complete the form here by 1st October. The programme will be confirmed by mid October.
CCS Boundary Breaking Research Project
The Centre for Catholic Studies' (CCS) Boundary Breaking research project explored the ecclesial and cultural implications of the child abuse crisis in the Catholic Church in England and Wales
The Centre for Catholic Studies' (CCS) Boundary Breaking research project explored the ecclesial and cultural implications of the child abuse crisis in the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
The research took place from 2019-2023.
The Cross of the Moment
The main research report based on the qualitative work was published in April 2024, titled The Cross of the Moment. A supplementary, quantitative report, Attitudes of Catholics in England and Wales towards Child Sex Abuse in the Catholic Church, was published in October 2024 to accompany the main report.
Find out more: https://www.durham.ac.uk/ccs-boundary-breaking
You can download the digital versions of the reports below. The main report can be downloaded either in the complete version or in separate chapters.
Alternatively, you can request printed copies of the reports by clicking here.