Religious Affiliation as a Political Site of Contestation? Polemical Voices of a New Generation of Romanian Romani Authors*

Abstract The 1990s and the early 2000s was a period of revitalization Romani studies in Romania. Participants process were non-Roma as well Roma authors. religious practices affiliations Romanies regarded to be significant matter start building dignified profile ethnic group from perspective - members who ventured participate knowledge production,. If first generation intellectuals more concerned find corelations provide explanations or less essentialized fashion, analysis scientific literature authored by young in-group indicate certain tendency over-politicize topic religiosity affiliation Romanian Romanies. In process, Orthodox Church has been turned into target. Specifically, acknowledgment that dominating actor Romania took part perpetuation state slavery makes Orthodoxy vulnerable series recent public attacks. This inglorious past is used symbolically rhetorically justify ongoing reaffiliation neo-Protestant churches. Recognizably, politicization minority started only intensified their one considers production comparative manner, can realize found it reasonable accommodate Romanipen background Romania, while chosen overtly loudly confront national hegemon institution. main trend, but, I will demonstrate not at all unique approach undertook voices. Some authors have preferred re-write back generational peers take side with Church. research, end up being blamed mendacious relation institution which majority population affiliating for centuries. At same time, churches are suspected act superficially missionary work among communities could indirectly suggested represent convenient meeting ground between two scammers. present paper discuss what extent new considered suitable weaponize on this specific outline political stakes behind arguments employed carry symbolical rhetorical battle narratives.