Calendar of Events
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INSS Spirituality, Mental Health and Wellbeing SIG
Online meeting
A Non-Human Turn for Extraordinary Experience and Spirituality Research
Presentation by Dr Jack Hunter
Monday 29th June 2026: 12.00pm - 1.15pm
Dr Jack Hunter is an anthropologist exploring the borderlands of consciousness, religion, ecology and the paranormal. He is an Honorary Research Fellow with the Alister Hardy Religious Experience Research Centre, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and a tutor at the Sophia Centre for the Study of Cosmology in Culture, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
This presentation argues for a non-human turn in the study of spirituality and extraordinary experience. Many extraordinary and spiritual experiences involve encounters with non-human beings, variously conceived - from encounters with animals, to aliens and angels. For the most part research focuses on the human psychology, personality traits and the benefits of such experiences for human wellbeing. This presentation suggests the need to re-focus on the non-human as an active component of extraordinary and spiritual experiences, and considers what the implications might be for taking the non-human seriously.
The presentation will be followed by questions and a group discussion.
Welcoming all INSS members to this SIG focussing upon spirituality, mental health and wellbeing across diverse contexts, including in relation to study, research and practice.
The group emphasises co-creating a safe yet focussed space to reflect, explore and share skills and inspiration together.
The SIG Chairs: Dr Katja Milner, Dr Jill Buckeldee
We are delighted to invite you to a collaborative spirituality in health and social care symposium hosted by INSS, EPICC and Cátedra UB-FSM de Salud. We will have a number of short presentations through the symposium focusing on differing aspects of spirituality. INSS will also launch their new Spirituality in Health and Social Care Special Interest Group at this event.
Programme for the day:
At 2.15pm there will be an INSS AGM which you are welcome to join if you wish to - details to be sent out later.
For further details please contact: Prof Melanie Rogers at m.rogers@hud.ac.uk
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The Conversational: A time to reflect, a space to share
In this era of fast knowledge, fast information, and fast interaction, The Conversational is a gathering of scholars of spirituality, who take a moment to share and discuss ideas together. Academics, professionals, erudites, artists, imagineers, designers, and many more diverse minds join in a meaningful conversation around deep thoughts, visions, theories and practices. The Conversational is open to a wide range of topics and interests relating in the broadest sense possible to spirituality in terms of spirit, soul, mind and consciousness.
You are warmly invited to the next Conversational where:
Associate Professor Robyn Wrigley-Carr presents ‘Spirit and Becoming: insights from Evelyn Underhill concerning the Christian journey of spiritual formation.’
Monday July 20th, 2026, at 12.00-13.30 UK Time
About this session: This session highlights some of the main contours of Evelyn Underhill’s understanding and lived experience of the Christian journey of spiritual formation. Robyn will provide some of the macro concepts covered in her book, Spirit and Becoming: On Retreat with Evelyn Underhill, which will be published by SPCK in early 2027.
About the presenter: Robyn Wrigley-Carr is Associate Professor in Spirituality and Spiritual Care at Whitley College, University of Divinity, Australia. She is on the INSS Executive and is Book Reviews Editor and a member of the Editorial Board for JSS. Robyn has research and published extensively on the life and writings of Evelyn Underhill.
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