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International Conference

“Theology of Vocation in a Technocentric Age: Rethinking Work, Family, and Community”


Venue: Online conference

Date: March 26-27, 2026.

Organized by:

  •  Luther Academy / Riga, Latvia,
  • Gothenburg Lutheran School of Theology/ Gothenburg, Sweeden
  • International Leadership University/Nairobi, Kenya

Working Language: English

Key Dates:

  • Registration deadline: 20.03.2026.
  • Abstract submission deadline: 16.02.2026.
  • Notification of acceptance: 02.03.2026.
  • Full paper submission: 30.04.2026.

Join us for two days of dialogue, research, and practical reflection.

👉 REGISTRATION as a participant 
👉 CALL for PAPERS now available


H.E. Rinalds Grants,

Archbishop of Riga and Primate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia 
“We live in a time of rapid and profound change. Whereas in the past the stages of civilization’s development spanned thousands of years, later centuries, today the pace of these changes is often measured in decades. Within a single human lifetime, it is possible to experience changes in several eras, which at the same time opens unprecedented opportunities and raise new, complex questions about human identity, work, family, and community. Technological progress, digitalization, and automation are significantly transforming the structures of life within which people for centuries have discovered their place in the world, assumed responsibility, and experienced the meaning of their lives.
The Christian tradition understands human identity and vocation in the context of relationships- relationships with God, with oneself, with one’s neighbors, and with the created world. Family, work, the local community, and the Church have historically been the spaces in which this vocation has been discovered and lived out. Today, as these relationships are increasingly influenced and reshaped by technology, it becomes especially important to rethink our understanding of human vocation and its significance in contemporary circumstances. 
This conference offers a space for academic, interdisciplinary, and ecclesial dialogue, to seek together ways in which Christian theology can meaningfully and responsibly orient human life, work, and community in today’s world. I wish the participants of the conference the courage to ask essential questions, to evaluate time-tested paths together, and to discern new ways that help us live out our calling in this age. May the guidance of God’s Spirit be with you!”
 

Why This Conference?

The international conference “Theology of Vocation in a Technocentric Age: Rethinking Work, Family, and Community” invites theologians, philosophers, ethicists, social scientists, Church leaders, technologists, and practitioners to explore how Christian conceptions of vocation must be rearticulated amid rapid technological change.

Automation, AI, digital economies, and emerging technologies are reshaping work, family life, community structures, and the meaning of vocation. This conference aims to provide an interdisciplinary and global platform for reflection, dialogue, and constructive proposals.

Concept and Aim

 In an era increasingly defined by automation, artificial intelligence, and digital mediation, the classical Christian theology of vocation faces profound challenges and opportunities. The technocentric paradigm has reshaped the meaning of work, blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life, and transformed human relationships and community structures. This conference seeks to rediscover and reinterpret the theology of vocation (Beruf, calling) as a dynamic framework for understanding human purpose, responsibility, and identity of a mid-technological acceleration.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITTEE:

1.  Dr. Guntis Kalme, Assist. Professor, Luther Academy, Latvia
2. Dr. Ineta Kristovska, Acting Vice-Rector for Research, Luther Academy, Latvia
3. Mg. Helēna Andersone, Vice-Rector for Studies, Luther Academy, Latvia
4. Dr. Kristīna Ēce, Assist. Professor, Luther Academy, Latvia
5. Dr. Uģis Sildegs, Assist. Professor, Luther Academy, Latvia
6. Dr.cand. Gints Graudiņš, Lecturer, Luther Academy, Latvia
7. Dr.cand. Laila Čakare, Lecturer, Luther Academy, Latvia
8. Dr. Torbjörn Johansson, Rector, The Lutheran School of Theology in Gothenburg, Sweden, Senior Researcher, Luther Academy, Latvia
9. Dr. Walter Andhoga, International Leadership University (ILU), the director of ILU Church Renewal Institute at the School of Theology and Christian, Kenya