London skyline

Congratulations to Dr Mark Cartledge (Principal Investigator) and Dr Andrew Davies (Co-Investigator) from the Centre for Pentecostal & Charismatic Studies in the Department of Theology and Religion who have been awarded an AHRC grant of £718,140 (Total FEC) for their project entitled Megachurches and Social Engagement in London

It is the first UK-funded research project to look at so-called ‘megachuches’, defined as attracting more than 2000 worshippers per week. In London there are ten such churches, with the largest gathering up to 15,000 people. The project aims to investigate the nature of the megachurches’ social engagement, interpreting the significance of this participation for public theology and elucidating the policy implications for religion and society. Given the multicultural nature of many of these churches, the empirical data gathered will be analysed in relation to transnationalism, globalization and urbanization, as well as religious social capital and theological motivations. In addition to academic publications, the research team will work with government and voluntary sector bodies to facilitate dialogue and in order to disseminate research findings via a public policy report, website, podcasts, conferences for stakeholders, media outlets and public talks and lectures.