Why does it matter?

How can one correctly assess the genuineness of a conversion to Christianity?

Can, or should, the assessment of a conversion be the role of the secular state and its legal decision-makers?

If so, how do state officials decide which forms and practices of Christianity are ‘acceptable’?

These and more questions require urgent answers – read on to find out how this project seeks to address them!

How is research conducted?

The project is interdisciplinary and cross-national. It consists of:

1. Ethnographic methods, including (participant) observation at administrative courts and churches in Germany, France, and the UK
2. Interviews with asylum seekers, pastors, church representatives, lawyers, immigration officials, and judges
3. Legal analysis of asylum appeal decisions, first asylum decisions, and protocols in Germany, France, and the UK

Who can participate?

The study takes the perspectives of all those involved in asylum processes based on religious conversion into regard.

This can involve asylum applicants, immigration officials, judges, lawyers, translators, pastors, and representatives of church organisations.

Participants are recruited online, via court visits, churches, and through recommendations.

If you would like to participate, please get in touch!