Name of the Method
The Church in DeM-Koy
The Church in DeM-Koy
Group size 15 - 30
Time 1-1 ½ hours
• Sheets of paper for name-tags
• Flip-chart paper
• A watch or clock
• Small bell for the Mayor Preparation
• Photocopy the role-cards, the description of the problem and the rules of debate
• Prepare name-tags for the different parties / groups that will be represented at the meeting.
• List the different roles on a flip chart so that everyone can see them.
• Make sure you have a space for the “Council Meeting” and separate spaces for the different groups, so that they can discuss their position beforehand or meet with others.
You live in the town of DEM-Koy, a town of about 80,000 people. In the last few years the population has changed radically, because refugees and migrants from Eastern Africa who left their homes because civil war crisis.
The issue that is now dividing the town is the cultural diversity of the refugees and migrants who are mostly Christians. The majority population in DEM-Koy is Muslim.
• The meeting will be chaired by the Mayor, and his/her decision on all matters is final.
• If you wish to speak, you should raise your hand and obtain permission from the Mayor.
• Comments should be brief, and should not exceed 2 minutes.
• The meeting will close after 30 minutes, with a vote on whether or not the Church should be built.
• Anyone attending the meeting is entitled to speak in the debate and to vote at the end.
Overview This activity explores a dispute over the building of a new church in a traditionally Muslim area through the simulation of a town council meeting.
Related rights
• Freedom from discrimination
• Freedom of religion and belief
• Freedom of opinion and information
• To experience real conflicts that can arise in meeting the needs of diverse communities
• To explore the right to freedom of religion and belief
• To develop skills of debate and analysis Materials
Developed and adapted during the training ADAPT in Istanbul from 10th to 18th of February, 2022.
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