Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu
The Role of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Social Integration of Roma People: Towards a Participatory Approach – ROCRom – RO-NO-2019-0586
Our country still has a lot of unused human potential in terms of the Roma population, relatively young compared to the majority Romanian population.
Their inclusion in the social and economic life has been the subject of much debate. An important role in this approach can be played by the Romanian Orthodox Church, present throughout the country through its local communities.
Our project wonders what potential the Romanian Orthodox Church has, in the inclusion of the Roma in the modern society.
The project has three directions: the first, to analyze the last 300 years in terms of the relationship of the Romanian Orthodox Church with the Roma community, the second direction aims at an in-depth analysis of exemplary communities through empirical research and development of pilot projects in Romania and Norway, and the third direction deals with the experience of Orthodox priests and the encouragement of good practices to act towards Roma inclusion and to open perspectives for broader projects in the future.
What We Do
01.
— We make research
on the relationship between the ROC and Roma people, on the history of the last 3 centuries in this sense and on the theological convictions that can lead to a better life together and a real inclusion.
02.
— We build networks
between Romania and Norway through a strong partnership and among local faith communities that intend to cooperate in achieving the goals of our project.
03.
— We encourage
coping with the mistakes of the past and finding new ways to deal with the problem of the present.
04.
— We dare
to apply a promising method called participatory approach and to believe that change is possible.
Impact Stories
Project Interview
Ever since I was a teenager, I got involved in volunteer activities, which contributed to my personal development. Both travel and interactions with other young people from different cultures have opened my eyes to diversity. As a result, these facts encouraged me to get involved in many activities related to the development of Roma communities, working with Roma children being one of my favorite activities.
Partners
