Governing Religious Diversity in Global Comparative Perspective: Global Comparative Perspectives

This book provides comparative analyses of different modes of the governance of religious diversity and state-religion connections and relations in twenty-three countries in five world regions. It examines the historical influences and legacies, and contemporary circumstances provoking debates and controversies around the governance of religious diversity. The analyses are based on extensive reviews of secondary literature, legal and policy landscapes, and interviews. It is a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students interested in the sociology of religion, religious studies, politics, and migration studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into comparative analyses of diverse modes of governance and state-religion connections across twenty-three countries in five world regions: Western Europe, Southern and South-Eastern Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, the MENA region, and South and Southeast Asia. The governance of religious diversity has emerged as a crucial aspect of the social and political landscape, prompting debates and controversies that vary across different contexts. The historical influences, legacies, and contemporary circumstances that shape these debates are diverse, leading to a range of state and scholarly responses to the preferred understandings and arrangements of state-religion relations.

To provide a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics, the analyses in this volume are based on extensive reviews of secondary literature, legal and policy landscapes, and, in some cases, interviews. The book aims to serve as a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students interested in the sociology of religion, religious studies, politics, and migration studies. The contributions in this volume are drawn from the Horizon2020-funded GREASE project, originally published as a special issue of "Religion, State and Society."

The governance of religious diversity encompasses a wide range of issues, including the regulation of religious practices, the protection of religious minorities, the relationship between religious institutions and the state, and the role of religion in public life. Different countries and regions have adopted different approaches to these challenges, reflecting their unique historical, cultural, and political contexts.

In Western Europe, for example, countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands have developed a model of secularism that promotes religious freedom and separation of church and state. This approach emphasizes the importance of individual rights and freedoms, while also ensuring that religious practices do not infringe on the rights of others. In contrast, countries in Southern and South-Eastern Europe, such as Greece, Turkey, and Serbia, have a history of religious conflict and have struggled to establish a balance between religious diversity and state control.

Central and Eastern Europe, including countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Romania, has experienced a complex history of state-religion relations, marked by periods of religious repression and persecution as well as periods of religious freedom and tolerance. The post-communist transition in these countries has brought about a shift towards greater religious freedom and pluralism, but challenges remain, such as the intersection of religion and politics and the protection of religious minorities.

The MENA region, which encompasses countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, has a history of state-religion relations that are often characterized by strict control and repression. The role of religion in public life is tightly regulated, and religious minorities face significant challenges in practicing their faiths. In contrast, South and Southeast Asia, including countries such as India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, have a more diverse and complex history of state-religion relations. These countries have experienced periods of religious conflict and tolerance, as well as periods of religious freedom and pluralism.

The analyses in this book shed light on the various factors that influence state-religion relations, including historical legacies, political ideologies, social movements, and economic development. They also explore the challenges and opportunities that arise from different modes of governance and state-religion connections, such as the promotion of religious diversity, the protection of religious minorities, and the integration of religion into public life.

One of the key themes that emerges from the analyses is the importance of dialogue and cooperation between religious leaders, state officials, and civil society organizations. This collaboration can help to promote mutual understanding, reduce tensions, and develop effective policies that balance the interests of different religious communities. However, there are also challenges to this collaboration, such as differences in religious beliefs and practices, political polarization, and the power dynamics between different actors.

Another important theme is the role of legal and policy frameworks in shaping state-religion relations. The legal and policy landscape can vary significantly between different countries and regions, with some countries adopting laws that restrict religious freedom and others promoting religious pluralism. The effectiveness of these laws and policies in promoting religious diversity and protecting religious minorities is a subject of ongoing debate and research.

In conclusion, this book presents a comprehensive and insightful analysis of diverse modes of governance and state-religion connections across twenty-three countries in five world regions. It provides a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students interested in the sociology of religion, religious studies, politics, and migration studies. The contributions in this volume arise out of the Horizon2020-funded GREASE project and reflect the latest research and thinking in this field. By exploring the complexities and dynamics of state-religion relations, this book contributes to our understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise from religious diversity in a globalized world.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032452050