EMSA Summer Conference: Call For Papers

February 21, 2007 Ronan

The European Mormon Studies Association (EMSA)

Inaugural Conference

University of Worcester, England

2-4 August 2007

Keynote address: Armand L. Mauss, Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies Emeritus, Washington State University; Former Editor, Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion

Call for Papers

“Periphery and Centre: European Mormons and their Relationship with North America, 1837-2007″

While scholars have historically emphasised the experience of Mormonism within the United States, there is a rich legacy of Mormonism within Europe, beginning with the arrival of the first Mormon missionaries one hundred and seventy years ago in 1837. European Mormons in this Mormon periphery have had a changing relationship with the American centre, from the 19th century when emigration to the centre was encouraged, to the 20th century when emigration was no longer church policy. What are the stories of those 19th century Mormons who stayed behind? How have European Mormons viewed the United States through the years? What is the current relationship between Mormonism in Europe and its American centre?

Papers are invited that represent a wide range of research topics relating to the experience of Mormonism within Europe. We are happy to welcome scholarly papers that come from different fields of study: historical, theological, literary, sociological, anthropological, and political.

Please send an abstract to David Morris by 15 April 2007. It is expected that final papers will be approximately 3,500–4,000 words, being delivered in a time of 20-30 minutes each. A question and answer session will be available following each paper. Notification of acceptance will be given by 1 May 2007. Session chairs may request a draft paper in order to offer a response. It is anticipated that conference proceedings will be published.

Conference attendees will be charged 15 GBP (10 GBP students), with a five pounds reduction available to those who register in advance (details to follow).

Worcester is a beautiful cathedral town in the heart of England, 10 miles away from the Malvern Hills and the Mormon historical sites of Benbow’s Farm and the newly-restored Gadfield Elm chapel. A history tour will be offered as part of the conference. Details on transport to Worcester and accommodation in the city are available at the Worcester tourist information centre.

Download, print, and share the conference poster and call for papers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
David M. Morris, University of Chichester
Conference Coordinator, European Mormon Studies Association
Ph: +44 (0)790 337 4685 Fax: +44 (0)870 132 8807
Email: davidmmorris at euromormonstudies dot com