Half-day symposium in connection with Erik Sidenvall's inaugural lecture.

The public resurgence of religion is a defining feature of the twenty-first century. At a time when faith traditions cannot be ignored when it comes to matters of politics, social justice and the function of civil society, there is a need to examine the impact of these changes on the religious organisations themselves. 

This half-day symposium will attempt a broader reflection on the interplay between church and public space. The latter term is understood here both in its metaphorical sense (social/cultural space) and in its digital and geographical senses. How are churches transformed by their public presence and visibility? How are churches shaped by their public engagement? In what ways are beliefs/theologies negotiated in public spaces? 

Speakers: Katharina Kunter (Helsinki), Frida Mannerfelt (Lund), Sally Promey (Yale), Ulrich Schmiedel (Lund) and Tone Stangeland Kaufman (MF, Oslo). Moderator: Katarina Westerlund (Uppsala).

The symposium is followed by coffee in Lynneum.