Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PENTEX (Pentecostal exorcisms in London: creative and integrative rituals in a multicultural city)
Période du rapport: 2023-09-01 au 2025-08-31
This project focused primarily on the analysis of Pentecostal exorcisms in London, although fieldwork was also conducted in Brussels and on digital platforms. The research includes substantial material from the Brazilian Neo-Pentecostal church, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), as well as from other Pentecostal branches—particularly from the United States—in the analysis of the digitalization of exorcisms. Therefore, fieldwork was carried out in loco, allowing the researcher to participate in the rituals. The main objective is to place Pentecostal exorcisms at the core of the analysis, examining how they shape religious practices, materiality, political activity, economic behavior, race, ethnicity, racism, gender roles, and sexuality. Moreover, these rituals were analyzed in relation to their “others,” emphasizing how they engage with groups that become the targets of such rituals—thus going beyond the view of exorcism as merely an intra-community practice. This project employs not only ritual theory but also a sociological analysis of processes of “othering,” adopting a perspective that highlights the dialogical dimension of demonization through which Pentecostal groups construct and interact with what they perceive as Devil-related others.The theme is particularly relevant given the recurrence of violent cases related to exorcisms in Europe; the case of Victoria Climbié, for example, involved the murder of a young girl after she was diagnosed by preachers as a potentially possessed individual. Despite the social and political resonance of such events, the broader impacts of Pentecostal exorcisms—especially their political dimensions and their potential links to violence—remain underexplored. This project therefore seeks to address this gap by examining the social, political, and ethical implications of these rituals. In doing so, it aims to inform public discussions and policy initiatives that engage with religious practices and their regulation, contributing to the prevention of similar cases through a better understanding of the discourses and practices that shape exorcism rituals.
Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted between 2023 and 2025 in London and Brussels, including participant observation in Pentecostal churches and talks with religious leaders and followers. In addition, digital ethnography was carried out on online platforms, with a particular focus on livestreamed exorcisms. A comprehensive dataset was created to organize and analyze the materials collected during the research. The project produced results that reveal how exorcisms and the discourses of spiritual warfare surrounding them are deeply connected to broader social issues such as gender, sexuality, and race. These findings have been disseminated through three peer-reviewed journal articles, with two additional papers currently under review, as well as a submitted book proposal. The project has also maintained an active X (formerly Twitter) account and has been presented in two funded research projects, two international conferences, and one seminar organized by the researcher responsible for the project.
The project had in loco participation on these rituals, meaning that the researcher was also 'exorcized' several times, which is brand new in the state of art of exorcisms studies. Furthermore, although there is a growing interest in the digitalization of rituals, the literature sarcely produced relevant research with data coming from live streamings. The project also brought anthropological epistemology (ritual theory) and sociological theory (relations between social groups and 'othering') in a creative manner, indicating the capacity of exorcisms to dialogue with others in order to expand the instituions the practicizes these rituals.
The project generated a comprehensive ethnographic dataset and a series of academic outputs, including three published peer-reviewed articles, two additional papers currently under review, and a book proposal. The research outcomes deepen the understanding of how Pentecostal exorcisms influence cotemporary social and political life and provide a foundation for future comparative and policy-oriented studies on religion.
The publication of the book and the creation of a website about it would be a good path in order to increase the impact of the results.
The project generated a comprehensive ethnographic dataset and a series of academic outputs, including three published peer-reviewed articles, two additional papers currently under review, and a book proposal. The research outcomes deepen the understanding of how Pentecostal exorcisms influence cotemporary social and political life and provide a foundation for future comparative and policy-oriented studies on religion.
The publication of the book and the creation of a website about it would be a good path in order to increase the impact of the results.