The Christian Poetics Initiative (CPI) is an academic network dedicated to exploring the role of Christian faith in the study and practice of literature. Founded at Yale University, the initiative is now hosted by the Rivendell Center for Theology and the Arts (RCTA).

The CPI Scholars Network, a central feature of the initiative, brings together senior, emerging, and early-career scholars to engage deeply with Christian poetics in the contemporary world. Its Plenary Conference, held this year at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, marks the culmination of the network’s 18-month programme cycle, providing an opportunity for scholars to discuss their work in Christian poetics and to lay the groundwork for future collaboration. Keynotes will be given by Romana Huk (Associate Professor of English, Notre Dame; Editor-in-Chief, Religion and Literature) and Michael D. Hurley (Professor of Literature and Theology, Cambridge). Professor Hurley’s title is:  “Understanding seeking Faith, and other Challenges to Contemporary Christian Poetics”.

While at BYU, Professor Hurley will also give a paper at a Symposium on Literature and Religion, the proceedings of which will be published in the journal Literature and Belief.