Graduate Seminars in Narrative

The NOVELLA ESRC Research Node, Institute of Education and The Centre for Narrative Research, University of East London

'Exploring narratives of refugees and Christian social activists', Mary Sutton, University of East London

Tuesday June 17th, 5.00-6.30

The Library, Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London, 27-8 Woburn Square, London WC1H OAA

This research focuses on first-hand experiences of refugees with church communities in London, UK, exploring how refugees can use these connections to instigate survival strategies and circumvent the constraints of punitive immigrant policies. The refugees who participated in the research are from a variety of countries of origin, and the activists and church community members represent different denominational traditions from mainstream churches, such as Anglican and Catholic churches, to African Pentecostal churches. Using narrative research methods, along with ethnographical observation, the research advances understanding of the importance of church connections for refugees as they seek to maximise social capital; maintain transnational networks that link the past and the present; and find acceptance as fellow members of society: albeit initially within the context of church communities as spiritual and cultural places of belonging, but potentially within the wider community. Furthermore, this research explores to what extent the presence of refugees revitalises activism within churches and renews commitments to centuries-old Christian traditions of sanctuary and hospitality for the stranger.  

Mary Sutton is a PhD student at the University of East London where she is completing her research on the experiences of refugees with church communities in London, UK. Her areas of interest include issues of social justice, particularly for the marginalised in society, and of social activism on the part of faith communities. Previous research includes a study of comparative histories of sanctuary in the UK and United States
 
All welcome, especially graduate students.  

For further details contact Corinne Squire ([log in to unmask]) or Meghan Flight ([log in to unmask]). 

Details are also on the CNR website: http://www.uel.ac.uk/cnr/home.htm


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