Organized byBeijing Normal–Hong Kong Baptist University, Center for Process Studies, International Process Network
The 14th International Whitehead Conference will be held July 17–20, 2026, in Zhuhai, China, at Beijing Normal–Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU). This global gathering of scholars, educators, and practitioners marks a pivotal moment to engage Alfred North Whitehead’s philosophy in dialogue with the pressing challenges and transformative opportunities of the 21st century. The theme of the 2026 International Whitehead Conference is: “Process Philosophy in a Time of Polycrisis: Science, Meaning, and Civilization.” The conference will explore how process thought can illuminate the great transitions of our time—toward a more sustainable, creative, and compassionate world.
Organized byBeijing Normal–Hong Kong Baptist University, Center for Process Studies, International Process Network
The 14th International Whitehead Conference will be held July 17–20, 2026, in Zhuhai, China, at Beijing Normal–Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU). This global gathering of scholars, educators, and practitioners marks a pivotal moment to engage Alfred North Whitehead’s philosophy in dialogue with the pressing challenges and transformative opportunities of the 21st century. The theme of the 2026 International Whitehead Conference is: “Process Philosophy in a Time of Polycrisis: Science, Meaning, and Civilization.” The conference will explore how process thought can illuminate the great transitions of our time—toward a more sustainable, creative, and compassionate world.
As the terrestrial trauma of global warming and US deregulation mounts, must we face ecological apocalypse? Ecological issues are routinely subordinated, even on the left, to pressing human concerns. Catherine Keller considers an apocalypse of dis/closure, not closure. Can the crisis itself crack open ways of greater collective attention to human and other-than-human wellbeing? How does theology, so often indifferent to the material world, help rather than hinder? Might we as Christians need a theology of God’s embodiment in all things—and particularly in the Earth? Not just in a one-off incarnation? The creation might then appear not as a one-time product but as ongoing and interdependent creativity. Does process theology help to motivate not only ecosocial virtue, but to materialize the creativity of love?
Ever wondered how to introduce process theology into your congregation? Join Pastor Brian Cromer for a process pop-up exploring a four-week journey that uses diverse practices, including participatory Bible study, storytelling circles, worship, and collaborative art, to immerse a community in core themes of process thought: God in relationship, becoming and change, persuasive love, and co-creation and transformation.
Apparently, Thomas Jay Oord has written the first book with the title, A Systematic Theology of Love. Oord not only puts love at the center of this thinking about God and creation, this central emphasis changes the way he considers core themes about God and creation. In this pop-up, Oord talks about what differences love makes to a consistent theology.
This conference will be the first to birth this long overdue intellectual exchange as it offers an improved metaphysical framework for value and consciousness in all ontological entities to address various concerns that are facing humanity: economy, political, and environmental. Although there are hesitant answers to some of these global challenges facing humanity, the influence of substance-based analysis has yet to offer penetrative answers, in addition to the almost complete lack of interaction among scholars of process to explore their common ground for a common voice in the way that substance thought has done over the centuries.
Lopon Dorje Khandro and Rev. Dr. Dhammabodhi will present the 6 paramitas (perfections) as the theoretical framework that they utilize in their spiritual care practice in order to embrace the suffering of both humans and non-humans. Lopon-la will give an overview of the six paramitas and focus on the paramitas of patience and wisdom in spiritual care. Rev. Dhammabodhi will focus on how ethics and meditation practice apply to spiritual care.
In his presentation, Doug Lippoldt will illustrate manifestations of systemic challenges using a sectoral case study approach focused on a set of middle-income developing countries striving to engage more deeply in the AI economy. The sample will include countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Held at the beautiful Grand Targhee Resort in the Grand Teton mountains of Wyoming, ORTCON26 is an in-person conference exploring topics in Open and Relational Theology. ORTCON26 brings together scholars, leaders, pastors, and activists. The conference provides workshops, lectures, and social activities to deepen relationships and present new ways of imagining God and the universe.
This global gathering of scholars, educators, and practitioners marks a pivotal moment to engage Alfred North Whitehead’s philosophy in dialogue with the pressing challenges and transformative opportunities of the 21st century. The theme of the 2026 International Whitehead Conference is: “Process Philosophy in a Time of Polycrisis: Science, Meaning, and Civilization.” The conference will explore how process thought can illuminate the great transitions of our time—toward a more sustainable, creative, and compassionate world.
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The Center for Process Studies manages a private discussion group on Facebook where you can dig into the finer points of process philosophy and theology in a community of intellectually-engaged students of these subjects. Here too you will find regular postings sharing new books and journal articles in process studies, as well as updates about upcoming events and offerings from various organizations.
