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Exploring Early Christianity Student Conference
January 22 - 23, 2026
6:00 PM–9:00 PM 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
McMaster Divinity College
About
The theme of this conference is “Exploring Early Christianity” and is open to all students. The event offers emerging scholars an opportunity to nurture community among like-minded individuals, present research in a friendly, collaborative environment, explore further opportunities for study, and network with experts and possible mentors in your area of research. The Centre is pleased to offer a limited number of travel bursaries to qualified students who are interested in exploring research programs at McMaster Divinity College. One Best Essay Prize will be awarded, and the winning essay will be published in our journal, Patristic Theology.
Registration Is Now Open!
To attend, click the button below to register. Registration includes access to all sessions and lunch on Friday. Registration fee is non-refundable after January 15, 2026. If you need to cancel your registration prior to this date, please contact us to arrange a refund.
Registration Fee: $25.00
Additional Information
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Call for Papers
We invite proposals on any aspect of patristics and early Christianity (second century and beyond). To submit your proposal, send your name, current institution, paper title, and an abstract of up to 200 words by November 15, 2025. Each year, we present a Best Essay Prize, and the winning paper is published in our journal Patristic Theology. Proposals submitted after the deadline may not be considered.
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Directions & Parking
Getting to McMaster Divinity College
We are located on the campus of McMaster University, just off the ON-403 highway. The McMaster Divinity College building is the second building on the left when entering via the Sterling Street entrance to campus. As parking options are limited and to reduce your carbon footprint, we recommend carpooling or making use of public transit where possible. Both GO buses and HSR transit drop off on campus often. If you do wish to park on campus, more information is below.
McMaster Divinity College
1280 Main St W
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1Parking
There are multiple parking options on campus, varying in availability and cost. You can find more information at parking.mcmaster.ca, including:
Parking Map Rates Shuttle Service
Please note, there is very limited parking in the McMaster Divinity College lot (A) for guests. The next closest lot is L.R. Wilson Underground, directly adjacent to our building. If you require accessible parking, please contact divevent@mcmaster.ca.
Centre for Patristics and Early Christianity Faculty
James R. Payton Jr.
Professor of Patristics and Historical Theology
Don W. Springer
Lecturer in Theology and Patristics
Stanley E. Porter
President and Dean, Professor of New Testament, Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview, Editor-in-Chief of MDC Press
Haitham Issak
Lecturer in Patristics and Syriac
Gordon L. Heath
Professor of Christian History, Centenary Chair in World Christianity, Director of Canadian Baptist Archives
Wendy J. Porter
Professor of Music and Worship, J. Gordon and Margaret Warnock Jones Chair in Church and Ministry
Hosted by
Presenting Sponsor
