About the International Association for Children's Spirituality
The International Association for Children’s Spirituality (IACS) was launched at the 7th International Conference on Children’s Spirituality, in 2006, following the success of the International Journal of Children’s Spirituality and the conferences themselves.
Our Aims
- To promote research and practice in relation to children’s spirituality.
- To promote effective communication and the distribution of information between those involved in the development of research and practice which focuses on children’s spirituality.
- To promote children’s spirituality as an important educational focus within wider contexts.
The work of the IACS is developed through an executive committee.
The IACS symbol shows two figures with their arms reaching out to greet each other.
What we do
The Association seeks to:
- Bring together researchers and practitioners who are focusing on this area of educational thinking.
- Promote the development of theory around children’s spirituality.
- Encourage, support and connect research and practice.
- Raise awareness of the need for attention to be given to children’s voices, experiences and relationships.
- Encourage holistic approaches to children’s spirituality and personal development.
- Develop policy and practice across disciplines, professions, organisations and communities.
The IACS website
Executive Committee
Karen-Marie Yust
Executive Committee Member and Chair
United States
Mary Hawes
Executive Committee Member and Treasurer
United Kingdom
Jennifer Mata-McMahon
Executive Committee Member and Membership Manager
United States
Sarah Johnson
Executive Committee Member and Communications Manager
United States
Tony Eaude
Executive Committee Member and Website (publications page)
United Kingdom
Nestor Briceño
Executive Committee Member
Venezuela
Denise Brogden
Executive Committee Member
United Kingdom
Brendan Hyde
Executive Committee Member
Australia
Elsa Lau
Executive Committee Member
Hong Kong
Katie Posey
Executive Committee Member
United States
Liesbeth Vroemen
Executive Committee Member and Website ('Where we are' page)
The Netherlands
The International Journal of Children’s Spirituality
For 23 years, the IJCS was the journal of the IACS. Aiming to provide an international and multi-cultural forum for those involved in research and the development of children’s and young people’s spirituality the journal considers what is meant by ‘spirituality’ and its relevance for schooling and society.
The IACS is no longer formally associated with IJCS. Please see the journal page for more information about the IJCS.