Migration and Diaspora in the History of Global Christianity

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The close connection between migration, diaspora, and a constantly changing religious geography has gained attention in current political debates, as well as in social sciences and in historical research. In fact, migration and diaspora are crucial factors in the dynamic of Christianity as a world religion, both historically and in our present time. This project aims to analyze the importance of migration and diaspora during earlier periods of global Church history and to discuss their role for the conceptualization of a ‘polycentric’ history of World Christianity. In order to achieve this goal, a twofold project is herewith proposed. 1) A case study will focus on the connection between migration, religious and confessional change, and church independency in southern Africa at the beginning of 20th century. 2) In addition, a conference and its proceedings will reflect on the diachronic relevance of migration and diaspora for Church History as an academic discipline.