Across Europe, the parish church has stood for centuries at the centre of local communities; it was the focal point of its religious life, the rituals performed there marked the stages of life from the cradle to the grave. This interdisciplinary conference will facilitate a better understanding of the evolution and importance of this religious building within communities across Europe during the confessional, economic, political and social changes of the early modern period.

To offer a 20 minute paper, please email an abstract and short CV to kjohnson@brookes.ac.uk no later than 30 November 2008