Women’s evangelical activities and church growth in Romani communities

Women played a pivotal role in the religious mobilization and church growth within Romani communities in Bulgaria during the interwar period, yet their contributions have been understudied. This study reveals that female evangelists, such as Puncheva (Boyana), Anka Minkova, and Keva Stefanova, were instrumental in advancing religious change, particularly through women's associations and collaborative efforts with male evangelists. Their activities targeted children and women within Romani communities, aiming to correct perceived moral laxity and integrate Roma into mainstream society. The research employs a combined ethnological approach, drawing from open-ended interviews, archival sources, and periodicals to provide a detailed account of these female agents of change in the village of Golintsi. This work sheds light on the often-overlooked gender dynamics in religious mobilization during this period.

SLAVKOVA, M. (2023). Women’s evangelical activities and church growth in Romani communities. Romani Studies, 33(1), 79–105. https://doi.org/10.3828/rost.2023.5