Diaspora Submission Guidelines

About the Magazine

Diaspora is a quarterly magazine that explores expansive expressions of ministry, spirituality, and justice. Rooted in FCM’s commitment to inclusivity and radical hospitality, we uplift voices from diverse backgrounds, including queer, feminist, BIPOC, interfaith, and lay ministers working outside traditional religious institutions. We welcome contributions that are bold, thoughtful, and grounded in lived experience.

What We’re Looking For

We accept the following types of submissions:

  • Feature Articles (1,000–2,000 words): Essays, profiles, or in-depth reflections on ministry, social justice, or spiritual practice.

  • Personal Reflections (500–1,000 words): First-person narratives that connect faith and life, often rooted in vocation, identity, or pivotal experiences.

  • Creative Writing:

    • Poetry (up to 3 poems)

    • Short creative nonfiction (under 1,000 words)

  • Interviews or Conversations: Transcripts or written interviews between colleagues, spiritual leaders, or activists. (Please obtain consent if interviewing others.)

  • Visual Art & Photography: Original works that reflect the magazine’s themes. Submit high-resolution images (JPEG or PNG) along with a short artist’s statement.

Submission Deadlines

We publish four times a year. We accept submissions on a rolling basis and plan out future editions to include submitted materials in. You are welcome to submit at anytime.

Themes and Core Values

While some issues may be themed, we also welcome general submissions. Topics of interest include:

  • Theologies of liberation, embodiment, and reimagined ministry

  • Stories of nontraditional callings and sacred community

  • Faith-based approaches to justice, inclusion, and care

  • Reflections on chaplaincy, spiritual direction, or pastoral counseling

  • Explorations of grief, joy, resilience, and identity in spiritual contexts

Submission Requirements

  • Submit written work in .docx or Google Docs format. Please do not send PDFs.

  • Include a title, your name, and a brief bio (up to 100 words, written in third person).

  • For visual submissions, include a short artist’s statement (up to 100 words).

  • Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify us if your work is accepted elsewhere.

  • Previously published work may be considered; please include original publication details.

How to Submit

Email your submission to diaspora@fedcm.org with the subject line:
Submission – [Your Name] – [Title of Piece]

Compensation

Diaspora is currently a volunteer-driven publication and does not offer financial compensation. Contributors retain all rights to their work. Published contributors receive a digital copy of the magazine and may be featured on FCM’s website and social media channels.

What We Do Not Accept

  • Proselytizing or exclusionary theology

  • Hate speech, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or ableism

  • Academic papers that are not accessible to a general audience

  • AI-generated submissions without meaningful human authorship or editing

Editorial Review

All submissions are reviewed by the editorial team. We reserve the right to make minor edits for clarity, grammar, and formatting. You will be contacted for approval if substantial edits are needed.

We aim to respond to submissions within 4–6 weeks of each submission.