Current Research

An overview of research currently in progress at the Centre, including calls for evidence and opportunities for participation.

FAITH SENSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS AND SEX EDUCATION

Commenced: June 2019
Planned publication: Summer 2021

As well as directing the Centre, Lucie Shuker is a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Bedfordshire. In that capacity she is spending some time working for the International Centre: researching child sexual exploitation, violence and trafficking. The project involves reviewing existing research, conducting a survey and running some focus groups with young Muslims and Christians, to explore their experiences and perspectives on talking about sex and relationships in school. The work is commissioned by Faiths Against Child Sexual Exploitation, a coalition of Muslims and Christians in Luton.

RELIGION, FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY IN JNC YOUTH WORK PROGRAMMES

Commenced: March 2019
Planned publication: Spring 2021

We are working with Dr Naomi Thompson (Goldsmiths University) to survey leaders of JNC-validated courses about where religion, faith and spirituality feature in youth work training programmes. The initial survey explores the topics that are covered, the ways they are covered and course leaders’ perceptions of the role of religion in their courses.