Framing Spatial‐Religious Conflicts: The Case of Mormon Development in Jerusalem

Abstract

AbstractThe paper's aims are twofold: first to present framing methodology as an approach which provides insights into conflicts stemming from the construction of new religious sites. Second, to analyse the Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center, using framing in order to understand the spatial‐religious conflicts involved in its establishment. The findings fall within three frame categories (‘super‐frames’) identified in the research: ‘process’, ‘values’, and ‘issues’. The findings reveal that the discord surrounding the BYU Center had to do primarily with process and the values, and not around the issues themselves. The methodology provides a typology for understanding and analysing the different stories told by stakeholders involved in spatial‐religious conflicts where the decision adopted might be perceived as endangering identity and ‘sense of place’. The typology may be helpful in the analysis of similar disputes elsewhere, and shed light on ways to reframe conflicts over sacred place