Announcing the call for papers for Quaker Theological Discussion Group 2025 on the theme: “Quaker Public Ministry: History, Practice, and Challenges.”

The Quaker Theological Discussion Group (QTDG) will host two virtual panels on December 12–13, 2025 (save the date!), exploring the theme: “Quaker Public Ministry: History, Practice, and Challenges.” Quaker public ministry may be described as a Spirit-led, relational calling to act or speak visibly and outwardly, in the greater world or in Quaker communities outside of one’s own, on behalf of truth, peace, and justice. It arises from deep listening and invites accountability, not just for the minister, but for the worshiping community that supports them.

We invite Friends—and others with interest—to propose presentations that engage with the history, theology, and lived experience of public ministry in the Religious Society of Friends. We are especially interested in papers that address how this tradition has been practiced, adapted, supported, or contested over time.

Each panelist will present for 12–15 minutes, followed by a moderated discussion. Presenters may be invited to revise and submit their papers for publication in Quaker Religious Thought (QRT).

We welcome proposals (approx. 250 words) describing your topic and what you hope to share. Please email proposals to both QTDG co-chairs, Cherice Bock (cbock at barclaypress dot com) and Christy Randazzo (danchristy dot randazzo at gmail dot com), by October 1, 2025.

Quakers have long upheld a belief in the immediacy of divine guidance and the call to faithful action in the world. From early traveling ministers like George Fox and Mary Fisher to today’s community organizers, climate advocates, and spiritual elders, public ministry has taken many forms. It is both a personal and collective act of faithfulness that arises from the inward motion of the Spirit and speaks to the needs of the times. Some Friends bodies “record” ministers as a way of recognizing that motion of the Spirit. Yet the meaning, structure, and support of public ministry remain deeply contested and uneven across Quaker communities. In a time when Friends are discerning how to meet both spiritual and societal challenges, reflecting on public ministry—its history, theology, lived practice, and tensions—is more vital than ever. We anticipate selecting presentations that align with one of two areas:

Panel 1: The History of Quaker Public Ministry
This panel will consider the roots and evolution of Quaker public ministry, including theological foundations, notable ministers, structural supports (or the lack thereof), and how this ministry has been shaped by context and conflict. Histories related to recording processes will be considered. Friends might also consider historical personages with a substantial public ministry who were not recognized by their contemporaries.

Panel 2: Public Ministry Today: Practice and Challenges
This panel will explore current expressions of Quaker public ministry—how it is discerned, enacted, and sustained today. Submissions may engage themes such as an experience of “call,” spiritual accompaniment, accountability, financial realities, trauma, resistance, and the ongoing search for right relationship in public witness. Descriptions of current recording practices may be considered, as well as explanations regarding a Quaker community’s reasons for not collectively recognizing public ministry.

Two panels of 3–4 presenters will be convened in December 2025, with selected contributions considered for the 2026 volumes of Quaker Religious Thought.

Please share the link to the call for papers with your networks, or download and share the following document. We look forward to receiving your proposals, and we’ll see you in December!