Baptists and Authority: International Conference on Baptist Studies, XI

Wednesday, August 4 – Saturday, August 7, 2027

McMaster Divinity College, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, CA

Call For Papers Now Open

ICOBS XI

About the Conference

The eleventh International Conference on Baptist Studies (ICOBS) is being held August 4 to 7, 2027, at McMaster Divinity College (MDC). The theme of the conference is Baptists and Authority.

ICOBS is a triennial conference dedicated to the study of Baptist history and thought. Scholars from all over the world have been participating in ICOBS since its first conference at Oxford University in 1997. It has become a premier global gathering of scholars and students of Baptist studies.

Plan now to join scholars from across the globe who study Baptists for paper and panel presentations, conversations, and tours of historical and cultural sites. For more information on ICOBS, and past triennial conferences, visit baptiststudies.org.

Poster for the International Conference On Baptist Studies conference

Call For Papers

From their beginnings, Baptists have understood Christ as their ultimate authority, challenging established churches and at times facing persecution as a result. Baptists have normally held a congregational polity, giving the local church the responsibility to discern together how to move forward on issues such as leadership, ordinances, doctrine, and relationships with others—and at times creating tensions between independence and interdependence in Baptist life. Some Baptists have granted more authority to pastoral leaders than others; some have relied more heavily on confessions of faith than others; some have sought to influence government and politics more than others. Historically, Baptists have defended liberty of conscience, leading to questions about individual versus communal authority. They have affirmed the authority of the Bible but interpreted this in many different ways, sometimes leading to controversies. Questions of authority also arise in relation to Baptists and Indigenous peoples, enslaved individuals, women, and missionaries and the communities they have served.

ICOBS invites proposals for twenty-minute presentations on these or other topics related to Baptists and authority. Proposals should be 300-500 words long and include a brief (one- to two-sentence) biography of the proposed speaker. Panel proposals related to Baptists and authority are also welcome. Paper and panel proposals are due March 15, 2027; earlier submissions are welcome. Please send proposals (and any questions) to conference director Melody Maxwell at melody.maxwell@acadiau.ca.

Schedule

Wednesday (3:00pm–9:00pm)
Opening comments, plenary address, papers, and dinner

Thursday (8:30am–9:00pm)
Plenary addresses, papers, meals, and breaks

Friday (8:30am–9:00pm)
Plenary addresses, papers, meals, and breaks

Saturday (8:30am–1:00pm)
Plenary address, papers, meals, break, and closing comments

A more detailed schedule will follow in the coming months. Times may also be slightly adjusted.

  • Overview

    Wednesday (3:00pm–9:00pm)
    Opening comments, plenary address, papers, and dinner

    Thursday (8:30am–9:00pm)
    Plenary addresses, papers, meals, and breaks

    Friday (8:30am–9:00pm)
    Plenary addresses, papers, meals, and breaks

    Saturday (8:30am–1:00pm)
    Plenary address, papers, meals, break, and closing comments

    A more detailed schedule will follow in the coming months. Times may also be slightly adjusted.

Funding Grants

We are fortunate to have some generous organizations that have offered travel grants to international scholars. Please send a letter of request and current CV addressed to ICOBS Grant Application Committee at melody.maxwell@acadiau.ca by March 15, 2027. Please specify the grant to which you are applying. All grants are in Canadian dollars.

  • Canadian Baptist Ministries Grant

    This grant is for scholars from the global south who attend the conference and present a paper. Priority is given to partners of Canadian Baptist Ministries in the global south, but scholars from other Baptist groups may also apply. Priority is given to students. The total value of the grant money is up to $10,000, with a maximum $2,500 per applicant.

  • Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec Student Grant

    This grant is for current students who attend the conference and present a paper. The total value of the grant money is $500 (either $500 for one student, or $250 each for two students).

  • Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) Historical Committee Grant

    This grant is for scholars who attend the conference and present a paper. The total value of the grant money is $3,000 CAD (that amount can be divided among applicants).

Registration

Conference Registration Fee

All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD).

Full Conference: $100.00*
Thursday Only: $40.00*
Friday Only: $40.00*

*Full conference fee rises to $140.00 and daily fee rises to $60.00 after June 1, 2027

Your full day conference registration fee provides full-day attendance to all four days of the conference at McMaster Divinity College. There is also the option of registering for only one-day attendance of the conference. The conference buffet is not included in the registration fee, see below for pricing. During registration, you can select which meals you require. Conference buffet begins at dinner service Wednesday until lunch service on Saturday. Registration does not include accommodations. On-campus accommodations can be booked separately through McMaster University.

Conference registration is required for accessing the on-campus accommodations and buffet.

A local hotel is also offering a reduced rate for conference registrants. These accommodations are also booked separately through the links below.

Register Now

On-Campus Meal Plan

The summer conference buffet is a three-minute walk from MDC. The buffet features a rotating chef’s choice menu, priced per person, per meal daily:

  • Breakfast: $15.95/person (7:30am-9:00am daily)
  • Lunch: $23.95/person (12:00pm-1:30pm daily)
  • Dinner: $26.95/person (5pm-6:30pm daily)

Conference registration is required for access to dining hall. Conference buffet booking closes July 9, 2027. Meals cannot be purchased onsite at the buffet.

Sign Up Coming Soon

On-Campus Accommodations

Les Prince Hall

This residence backs onto the natural scenery of Cootes Paradise in the north, and “hugs” the north quad of campus, facing Ron Joyce Stadium. Available room types include:

  • Single Room – $96/night (1 twin bed, private washroom)
  • Double Room – $153/night (2 twin beds, ensuite washroom)

All reservations include complimentary Wi-Fi, bed linens, towels, shampoo, and soap for a comfortable stay. Overnight visitor parking is available in Lots G & H, near our primary residences, at an additional fee. Conference registration is required for access to campus accommodation.

Booking Coming Soon

Nearby Hotel Accommodations

A local hotel is providing a reduced rate for conference attendees. Stay tuned for more information.

Hotel Booking Coming Soon

Travel Information

  • Directions

    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 4K1

    Download a Campus Map

  • Airport Transportation

    Conference attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the airport.

    From the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

    McMaster University’s main campus is a 40-minute drive from Toronto’s airport.

    You can travel from Toronto to Hamilton via:

     

    From the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM)

    McMaster’s main campus is a 17-minute drive from Hamilton’s airport.

    You can travel from Hamilton’s airport via:

    • Ride share: Uber, Lyft
    • Local Taxi/Cab services
    • Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) public transportation

    See all options at Fly Hamilton.

  • Parking

    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 lots are L.R. Wilson Underground and Lots A and B.

    If you require accessible parking, please contact divevent@mcmaster.ca.

Local Tours

Things To Do On Campus

While you’re here, explore more things to do while on campus. Please note, some of these options, including the Alpine Tower, Nuclear Reactor or Planetarium, require advance booking.

 

ICOBS Tours

We are hoping to offer local tours to some local sites of interest on Saturday following the conference. More information will be provided on these tours in early 2027.

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