Ecologies of Peacemaking: Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Conflict Transformation in Africa
The Boston University School of Theology is honored to announce the inaugural Fr. Vincent Machozi Colloquium, a new academic gathering dedicated to advancing dialogue and scholarship at the critical intersection of climate change, environmental justice, and conflict transformation on the African continent.
This landmark event honors the life and witness of Fr. Vincent Machozi, A.A. (’15), who was a Catholic priest, humanitarian, and fearless advocate for human rights. Fr. Machozi’s tireless documentation of atrocities related to coltan mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), his leadership through the Beni Lubero platform, and his ultimate martyrdom in 2016 inspire the work of this colloquium and its commitment to truth, justice, and healing.
2025 Conference Theme: Ecologies of Peacemaking
Around the globe, but especially in Africa, environmental degradation, violent conflict, and systemic inequality are deeply interconnected. From the extractive industries that exploit land and people, to the accelerating effects of climate change, these challenges demand a holistic response.
Ecologies of Peacemaking will convene scholars, practitioners, and faith leaders engaged in diverse African contexts to explore how communities—particularly religious communities—are cultivating justice, peace, and ecological resilience. Through interdisciplinary panels, theological reflection, and collaborative learning, participants will consider both the lived realities and the theological frameworks shaping peacebuilding across the continent.
“Fr. Machozi’s activism tackled some of the most significant ‘wicked problems’ of our time,” says Nicolette Manglos-Weber, Associate Dean of Students & Community Life and Machozi Colloquium planning committee member. “This colloquium event will uphold his legacy by promoting interdisciplinary, community-engaged scholarship on those same issues; and by highlighting theologically sound and actionable models of peacemaking, ecological care, and social transformation.”
Keynote Speakers, Proposals, and Schedule
The colloquium will feature two distinguished keynote speakers: Dr. Ambaye Ogato, Commissioner of the National Dialogue Commission of Ethiopia, who is a renowned scholar and peacebuilder whose work offers deep insight into the intersections of ethnicity, religion, and national reconciliation, and Rev. Professor Emmanuel Katongole, Professor of Theology and Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, who is a leading voice in African theology. A Catholic priest from Uganda, Fr. Katongole brings a prophetic and pastoral perspective on reconciliation, ecological justice, and the church’s role in addressing violence.
The colloquium invites paper proposals from scholars, clergy, activists, and community leaders whose work engages with the conference theme or related topics. The deadline for submissions is September 15, 2025.
Hosted by the Boston University School of Theology in Boston, Massachusetts, this historic gathering will honor Fr. Machozi’s legacy while fostering dialogue and action at the critical intersections of faith, environment, and peacebuilding.
Please visit the inaugural colloquium website for registration information, submission guidelines, and updates.
Together we continue Fr. Vincent Machozi’s courageous legacy working for justice, peace, and transformation across Africa and beyond.
Register immediately
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