One House - two churches : an empirical study of the relationship between a migrant church and a Church of Norway (Den norske kirke) congregation who share a church building

Abstract

This paper focuses on the phenomenon of migrant churches and indigenous churches sharing the same church building. It does so by presenting a case study of a Church of Norway congregation and a Ghanaian migrant church, both located in the Stovner church building. The paper explores and discusses the congregations’ understanding of each other, the joint events held, and the significance of using a common space for services. Using theories of space and the theory of social capital, the thesis argues how joint activities and the use of a common space can create a new understanding of unity between congregations. Further, it investigates the possible role of such a relationship in social integration in wider Norwegian society.