UPSem participates in The Global Network of Theology and Religion in Brazil

February 10, 2026

Nineteen scholars, including Dr. Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty,  represented 45 member institutions of the Global Network of Theology and Religion at the General Assembly in Curitiba, Brazil, from February 1-6. The Global Network fosters intellectual exchange by conducting multi-lateral colloquia on pressing theological questions. The organization also enables formal and informal faculty exchange between member institutions and aims to support doctoral students and post-docs in pursuing their research at participating institutions.

The theme chosen for this General Assembly was “History-Memory-Places of Memory.” Eighteen presentations were given by scholars during the week, from Brazil, Germany, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United States.

Dr. Hinson-Hasty’s paper, “Centering the Reformed Tradition of Iconoclasm in Movements to Decolonize Spaces Once Dominated by Confederate Monuments,” explored ways Calvin’s theology can be misinterpreted in debates over public memory and emphasized his critique of idolatry. She invited other colleagues to think beyond commemorative projects that remain static toward living and dynamic monuments informed by the values of truth-telling, reconciliation, impermanence, reparations, and communal memory. Other papers explored themes such as the implications of chosen trauma for peace theology; martyrdom and the land in Brazil; history, memory, and places of memory in Psalm 137; rituals around death and dying as places of memory; and memory politics in diaconal institutions.

If you are interested in learning more about the Global Network of Theology and Religion or the papers presented during this conference, please reach out to Dr. Hinson-Hasty at ehinsonhasty@upsem.edu.