Religion in the Context of African Migration Studies

Abstract

An interdisciplinary workshop organised by Afe Adogame and Cordula Weiskoppel at Iwalewa House, Bayreuth University, 14-16 February 2003, sought to investigate the importance of religion to the lives of African migrants. Historians of religion, anthropologists, ethnomusicologists and other specialists debated the somewhat neglected topic of the interplay between religion and migration. Incorporating case studies and methodological reflections, the workshop provided an opportunity to look beyond African migrants as vulnerable and unstable. The gathering also paid attention to gender dynamics within migrant communities and during the workshop itself. Christoph Bochinger gave the introductory presentation, suggesting that the theme led one to question whether religion itself is sometimes a motive for migration. He observed that religion might play an important function in developing a sense of community amongst migrants. It was also necessary to consider whether new types of religious community emerged in the diaspora. Ulrich Berer debunked the popular notion that religion and migration is a novel theme. His paper, 'Mission and Migration in the Roman Empire', utilised historical data to suggest that 'mission' is not the only vehicle for the spread of religion across different geographical locations. Religion is also carried over to new locations through migration, transportation, diffusion and other processes. Berner demonstrated the importance of historical research and how contemporary developments may be better understood by tracing patterns across the various historical epochs. In the contemporary period, the Egyptian Coptic diaspora in Germany has experienced cultural vitality. Fouad Ibrahim warned against the application of simplistic concepts like surrender and defeat, and proposed employing notions like resistance, selection, appropriation, expansion