The 2025 CESNUR Conference
Co-organized by:
Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR)
Africa Hidden Voices, Johannesburg
African Forum for Religious and Spirituality Liberty (AFRSL)
International Society for the Study of New Religions
SPIRITUALITY, RELIGION, AND NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS
Cape Town
South Africa
November 15-19, 2025
CALL FOR PAPERS
As every year, the CESNUR conference is in summer—only, this time it is South African summer. We have chosen Cape Town over other South African possibilities taking into account the pleasant summer weather, the beauty and historical religious heritage of the region, and the comparatively affordable intercontinental flights reaching the city.
The conference will take place on November 18 and 19, and we welcome papers on new religious and spiritual movements and institutions, the ongoing debate over the differences between religion and spirituality, and case studies of specific groups and trends, with a special attention on African indigenous spirituality. Sessions will be organized (on November 19) in cooperation with the African Forum for Religious and Spirituality Liberty (AFRSL) and will welcome papers on freedom of religion or belief issues throughout the world.
On November 15, 16, and 17, we will offer a series of field trips exploring both religious institutions, the natural beauties of the Cape region, and the famous wine area around Stellenbosch. It will be possible to attend only the conference on November 18 and 19, but we believe that the opportunity to explore the region with competent guides will be unique. The dates have also been selected to allow those who will attend the American Academy of Religion conference in Boston on November 22–25 sufficient time to travel to the United States.
The venue where all the conference sessions will be held is the CTICC-2 (Cape Town International Convention Center 2), located at Corner of Heerengracht & Rua Bartholomeu Dias, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001, South Africa [there is also a CTICC-1; note that we will be in CTICC-2, not in CTICC-1]. Just in front of CTICC-2 is located The Westin Cape Town, which is the most convenient hotel for the conference but is not inexpensive.
Cheaper hotels at walking distance from the conference are the SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl (not to be confused with other SunSquare hotels in Cape Town; the one near the conference venue has “City Bowl” in its name), and the StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl (very simple but cheap).
The conference area is safe, as is Cape Town in general (unlike other South African cities). We are not yet in a position to assess the registration fees. They will be indicated in July.
Publication of the preliminary program: before August 10, 2025
Registration deadline: August 20, 2025
Publication of the final program: before September 15, 2025
Papers and session proposals should be submitted by E-mail before the close of business on April 30, 2025, to cesnur_to@virgilio.it, accompanied by an abstract of no more than 300 words and a CV of no more than 200 words. PhD students should attach a letter of support from their advisor.
