Det syngende kirkerum

The singing church space: How the spatiality of church spaces shapes communal singing This article explores how spatiality shapes communal singing in church spaces. By incorporating Kirkegaard et al.’s typology of communal singing and Henri Lefebvre’s spatial theory, the article suggests how communal singing can be examined spatially: Both the type and motivation of the singing and the different spatial aspects that constitute the practice must be examined. Church spaces are embedded with ideology, theology, and social practices. Spatially, these elements shape the singing practice. Therefore, communal singing in a church space is never neutral. Communal singing can, however, also establish a counter-space within the church space. New practices, songs, or narratives enable singers to briefly challenge what is already established. The article concludes that spatial theory can be a useful resource in the study of the complex spaces in which communal singing takes place.