Modern Believing

Essay Competition

Modern Church announces the Modern Believing Essay Competition.

Aims

The aims of the competition are: i) to encourage research and innovation in liberal, Christian, accessible theology; ii) to encourage younger theologians; iii) to enhance the reputation of Modern Believing among a new generation of scholars and readers; and iv) to enhance the reputation of the annual conference of Modern Church as a key annual event in the development of liberal theology.

The Prize

The winner will receive a cash prize of £250, a free place at the Modern Church annual conference, reasonable travel expenses from anywhere within the United Kingdom, a free subscription to Modern Believing and an offer of membership of Modern Church, each for one year. It is a condition of accepting the prize that the winner presents his or her paper, or conducts a seminar, on the subject of the essay at the conference. The Editor will publish the winning essay in Modern Believing, and may also publish the essay that came second, subject to the availability of space.

The Rules

Eligibility  The competition is open to anyone under the age of 35 at the time of the conference at which the winner is required to make a presentation.

Essay Topic  The title and content of the essay must develop the conference theme.

Essay Length and Format  The essay must conform fully to the guidance notes detailed in the Invitation to Authors on the Modern Church website (http://modernchurch.org.uk/publications/mb/authors.htm).

Dates and Deadlines  Details of Modern Church conferences are available at least 12 months before they take place (in July of each year). The announcement of the theme of the conference together with an invitation to enter the competition will appear in the July edition of Modern Believing. Competitors may send in their essays between July 1 and December 31. The essays should be sent to The Editor of Modern Believing, in electronic format, at editor.mb@modernchurch.org.uk. The name of the winner will be announced before March 31.

Adjudication  The Editor will prepare a short list from the entries received. The Editor will convene a panel of three judges, from the editorial board of Modern Believing and the panel of distinguished speakers at the annual conference. The judges will assess the essays using the criteria for assessing the suitability of essays for publication in Modern Believing. The decision of the judges is final. If in the unlikelihood that, in the opinion of the judges, no essay of sufficient distinction is presented, the prize will not be awarded, and the proceeds saved will be reinvested in the scheme.

Review Criteria  The three criteria are 1) the promotion of liberalism in Theology and Church; 2) originality and academic integrity; and 3) accessibility to its readers in academic and church life.

Any questions regarding the operation of the scheme will be welcomed by the Editor, at editor.mb@modernchurch.org.uk.