We are pleased to invite paper proposals for the upcoming conference “Christianity and Slavery in the Dutch Caribbean Islands, Surinam, and the Netherlands,” held from November 10-14, 2025, in Willemstad, Curaçao. This conference is part of a NWO-funded project (www.kerkenslavernij.nl) and organized by the Protestant Theological University (PThU), VU Amsterdam, Nationaal instituut Nederlands slavernijverleden en erfenis (NiNsee) and the University of Curaçao (UoC).
Conference Theme
The conference will explore the complex and multifaceted relationship between Christianity and the institution of slavery in the Dutch Caribbean, Surinam, and the Netherlands. We welcome interdisciplinary approaches that critically analyze the role of Christianity, including its theological justifications, resistance, and complicity in the practice of slavery. The event also aims to engage with the legacies of this history and their ongoing impact on contemporary societies in these regions. While particular attention will be given to the Dutch Caribbean Islands and Surinam, we also welcome contributions that address the broader Caribbean context and the legacies of slavery in other nations that fell under Dutch colonial rule.
Topics of Interest
We invite papers that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- The role of the Christian church in the establishment, perpetuation, and abolition of slavery in the Dutch colonies.
- Theological justifications and challenges to slavery by Christian leaders and institutions.
- Resistance, negotiation, and accommodation through the lived experiences of enslaved persons within Christian missionary and colonial contexts
- Historical case studies on the interactions between Christian missions and enslaved populations.
- Afro-Caribbean spirituality and slavery.
- Post-colonial reflections on the legacies of Christianity and slavery in the Dutch Caribbean and Surinam.
- Best practices regarding the involvement of churches in addressing slavery and its legacy
- Comparative studies of slavery and Christianity across different regions, including those within the Dutch empire.
Submission Guidelines
Interested individuals are invited to submit an abstract of no more than 250 words outlining their proposed paper.
- Proposals should be submitted via the following link: https://forms.gle/RMezpDn8XjG2RZ9N9 by January 31, 2025.
- Notifications of acceptance of abstracts will be sent by March 1, 2025.
- Presentations will be limited to 15 minutes.
- Abstracts and papers presented at the conference must be in English. A selection of papers will be published in the conference proceedings.
- Though our budget is limited, we will seek funding for those who need financial assistance.
For any inquiries regarding the conference or the submission process, please contact us at rose-mary.allen@uoc.cw or mjstoutjesdijk@pthu.nl.
We look forward to your contribution to this important conversation.
Sincerely,
The Conference Organizing Committee
Protestant Theological University (PThU), VU Amsterdam, and the University of Curaçao
