Workshop, Panel, and Paper Proposals are now open and may be submitted through May 15, 2025.

Why do human beings so often act against their own best interests, caught in cycles of compulsive thoughts and behaviors? Addictions and compulsions, whether behavioral or substance related, stem from a complex interaction of multiple variables across diverse biological, social, psychological, and spiritual domains. In Orthodox Christianity, these behaviors might be understood as the passions, disordered desires that enslave the soul and disrupt human freedom. Together, do modern science and patristic wisdom provide complementary or conflicting insights into the nature of addiction and compulsion?

This year’s OCAMPR Conference opens a conversation between theology and the biological and social sciences on the pervasive cultural concern of addictions and compulsions. How do patristic discussions of the passions intersect with recent findings in neurological and physiological science and psychology? How might an interprofessional approach to compulsive thought and action support the work of the priest offering confession? Further, how may we understand and address non substance-related addictions and compulsions, such as those related to social media and internet use, pornography, sexual activity, video games, shopping, and gambling? We welcome papers and workshops that help the multi-disciplinary OCAMPR community reflect on the topic of compulsive thought and behavior, addictions, and the passions.

OCAMPR requests that proposals for presentations reflect professional, academic discussion on critical issues regarding the helping professions and pastoral care, specifically as it relates to our Orthodox Christian faith. Although presentations reflecting the conference theme are preferred, other subjects related to the overall mission of OCAMPR are welcomed. Panel discussions are prioritized.

Proposals are due May 15, 2025 and will be reviewed by members of the OCAMPR board and conference committee. Presenters will be notified by email if their proposal is accepted, accepted with revision, waitlisted, or not accepted. Please see the specific instructions below for conference workshops, panels, and papers. Note that presenters who are accepted are required to register for the conference. Presenters receive a discount on registration. Address any questions to ocamprconference@gmail.com. We look forward to receiving your submissions!