Crossing Boundaries: Mormonism in Africa within Global Christianity
Nairobi, Kenya, 29th-31st October 2026
About Global Mormon Studies
Global Mormon Studies is an independent, U.S.-based nonprofit organization that serves as an international research network for scholars across a range of disciplines who study Mormonism and the global Restoration movement. We facilitate academic research, conferences, and collaboration but are not affiliated with, governed by, or representative of any religious denomination or movement. Our conferences and publications are academic in nature and are intended to foster scholarly dialogue and research, not religious advocacy or proselytizing.
Terminology
Global Mormon Studies uses the terms “Mormon” and “Mormonism” as scholarly umbrella terms referring collectively to the diverse religious traditions that trace their origins to the nineteenth-century Restoration movement initiated by Joseph Smith. These traditions include, among others, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Community of Christ, and several other Restoration churches. When referring to a specific denomination or religious tradition, we use its official name rather than the umbrella term.
Conference Committee
- Amaechi Okafor, Concordia University
- Khumbulani Medletshe, Department of Education Leadership and Management, University of Johannesburg
- Vinna Chowriamah, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Carolyne Ngara, National Research Fund
- Jeremiah Moses Sanya Machio, Church History Department, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Russell Stevenson, Office of Research, United States Military Academy at West Point
- Michelle Graabek-Wallace, Church History Department, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Conference Theme
We are pleased to announce our annual conference, to be held on 29th-31st October 2026, in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. This annual event gathers a variety of scholars invested in serious academic study of Global Mormonism. Our 2026 theme, “Crossing Boundaries: Mormonism in Africa within Global Christianity,” challenges the traditional North American, white, male-dominated narrative by fostering inclusive, multilingual, and interdisciplinary scholarship. This landmark public conference—the first Mormon Studies gathering hosted in Africa—aims to reframe the field of Mormon Studies by centering African and African diaspora voices. With Africa emerging as the fastest-growing region for Mormon faith traditions, the conference will explore how Mormon beliefs and practices are constructed, lived, and contested within African contexts and global Christianity.
Kenya strategically aligns with the conference’s core objective: to reframe Mormon Studies by centering Africa. The conference will take place in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital and a major hub for transportation and trade in East Africa. Uniquely, Nairobi is the only capital city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, offering a striking blend of urban life and natural beauty. Kenya also has an interesting Latter-day Saint history. On February 25, 1991—after 11 years of persistent efforts to officially register the Church in Kenya, including a remarkable final stretch during which seven members fasted in weekly rotation for 18 months—the Kenyan government officially recognized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Important Dates
Please be aware that we have shifted dates!
- Early Bird Registration Window: 1st June-1st August 2026
- Conference Dates: 29th-31st October 2026
Registration
Fees
- Early Bird Registration (1st June – 1st August): $20 USD
- Registration (2nd August – 31st October): $35 USD
- Single Day Registration: $10 USD
- Student Registration: $5 USD
We do have a discount code for the hotel, which will be sent to you after you have registered.