The theme

What are the consequences of particular religious-secular distinctions? Recent years have seen a revival of debates in Europe (and elsewhere) over the place of religion in civil society or public life. Instead, the proposed workshop will take a step back and ask, among other things, what it means to debate the place of something called “religion” in something called “civil society” or “public life”. The workshop’s aim is not simply to dismiss (in a deconstructive vein) such categories and the debates that they occasion, but to examine the consequences of particular ways of distinguishing between “religious” and “secular”. It matters, after all, whether a museum exhibit is considered cultural or religious; a crucifix on a necklace is deemed an expression of faith or a fashion accessory; shari’a law is regarded as integral to Islam or as another lawcode; a particular state is classified by Europe as secular or not; a minority is viewed as religious or ethnic; and a PhD thesis is considered religious or just about religion. Speakers will explore how people in particular contexts distinguish between religious and secular.

How to participate

The programme is already complete (see link) but we would welcome anyone who wants to attend and contribute to discussion without presenting.

Please register at the following URL:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cnNOMWFaalA3dl9rNXg1RW4zSFhSR1E6MA

Registration is free and includes tea and coffee, sandwich lunches and the workshop dinner. We do ask in return that you commit to attending the whole workshop.

The workshop will begin at 2 pm on Thursday 25^th June and end by 5.30 pm on Friday 26^th June.

Economical accommodation will be available at King’s Hall http://www.abdn.ac.uk/kingshall/about/ Please be sure to say when you book that you are attending the workshop. For information about travel and about the city and region, see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/central/abdn/index.shtml

If you are at a CINEFOGO institution (see www.cinefogo.org/participants for a list) you may apply to your CINEFOGO representative for a mobility grant to cover your travel costs, even if you are not presenting.

PhD students from non-CINEFOGO institutions may apply to us for travel funds to attend the workshop as well as board and lodging. You should fill out the appropriate section on your registration form if you wish to do so.

Please email the workshop administrator Lloyd Dodd (l.dodd@abdn.ac.uk) with any queries.