The IAMS study group on “Religious freedom and persecution” was established in 2012 during the IAMS General Assembly in Toronto. Both research and lived experience shows that lack of religious freedom has a profound effect on mission and other forms of Christian witness. The aim of his study group is to gather researchers and practitioners who are interested in academic study of different aspects of relationship between mission under persecution.

Goal and scope of the study group

The rationale for the study group is to foster research and better understanding of the intersection between mission and religious freedom violations.

The research topics may include but are not limited to:

• evangelism, conversion and discipleship in the context of persecution,
• theology of martyrdom,
• international and national legislation on religious freedom and mission,
• religious nationalism and mission,
• authoritarian states and mission,
• social hostilities and mission,
• ecumenism and religious freedom,
• interreligious relations in the context of persecution,
• gendered perspectives on mission and persecution,
• others.

The group welcomes theologians, missiologists, religious freedom experts and others who are explore the different dimensions of this intersection. We encourage an interdisciplinary approach to the study and aim to foster a closer cooperation between researchers from different fields. The group is open to both established experts and students.

Study group’s Convener: Dr. Robert Lilleaasen

Email: RLilleaasen@fjellhaug.no

Study group’s Co-convener: Vija Herefoss

Email: vh@stefanus.no