Calvin Center for Faith & Writing Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Festival of Faith & Writing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grand Rapids, MI — [May 5, 2025] — The Calvin Center for Faith & Writing (CCFW) is thrilled to unveil the lineup of featured speakers for the 2026 Festival of Faith & Writing, taking place April 16–18, 2026, on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This biennial literary gathering, which attracts attendees from around the globe, celebrates the vibrant intersection of faith and the written word.
Committed to fostering meaningful dialogue across diverse perspectives, the Festival offers an array of lectures, readings, conversations, and performances. It brings together writers and storytellers from various mediums—including books, podcasts, journalism, and film—who explore matters of faith with creativity and insight.
Featured Speakers for the 2026 Festival Include:
Kate Albus
Laurie Halse Anderson
Aaliyah Bilal
Christine Byl
Daniel José Camacho
George David Clark
Eli Cranor
Lanta Davis
Todd Davis
Scott Erickson
Carrie Fountain
Ross Gay
Melody S. Gee
Karina Yan Glaser
Eliza Griswold
Astead Herndon
Tasha Jun
Robin Wall Kimmerer
Leyla K. King
Ariel Lawhon
Nicholas Ma
Ayana Mathis
Hillary McBride
Kyle Meyaard-Schaap
A. Muia
Alejandra Oliva
Amanda Held Opelt
J.S. Park
Sarah Perry
Andrew Peterson
Kiki Petrosino
Kathryn Post
Jess Ray
Aimee Reid
Patrick Rosal
Jacob Schepers
Neal Shusterman
Barbara Brown Taylor
Larissa Theule
Jonathan Todd
Dana VanderLugt
Abram VanEngen
Adam Verner
*Names in BOLD denote keynote speakers
This year's roster reflects the Festival's ongoing commitment to showcasing a vibrant[JH3] roster of voices that engage with faith through various genres and cultural lenses. The selection process, conducted by the Festival Planning Committee—comprising CCFW staff and rotating Faculty Fellows—aims to highlight both emerging writers and established authors who delve into the complexities of belief, doubt, and the human experience.
"The Festival of Faith & Writing is more than a literary event; it's a celebratory community gathering where readers and writers come together to explore the profound questions of what it means to be human through the lens of faith," said Jennifer Holberg, Co-Director of the CCFW. "We're delighted to welcome this extraordinary group of speakers who will undoubtedly inspire and challenge us."
About the Festival of Faith & Writing
Since its inception in 1990, the Festival of Faith & Writing has become a cornerstone event for those interested in the interplay between literature and faith. Hosted every other spring by the Calvin Center for Faith & Writing, the Festival has featured renowned authors such as Maya Angelou, Salman Rushdie, Marilynne Robinson, Anthony Doerr, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It serves as a unique space for attendees to engage in thoughtful discussions and discover new literary voices.
Registration and More Information
Registration for the 2026 Festival will open in the fall of 2025. For updates, additional speaker announcements, and more information, please visit ccfw.calvin.edu/festival.
Media Contact:
Lauren Cooper, Associate Director
Calvin Center for Faith & Writing
Email: lauren.cooper@calvin.edu
Phone: 616-526-6716
Media Kit
Note: The list of confirmed speakers will be updated as more information becomes available. Please check the Festival website for the latest announcements.