Description: With contributions from some of the leading experts in the area of law and religion and covering a range of very different European countries including Turkey, the UK, Italy and Bulgaria, this book uses comparative case studies to illustrate how practice varies significantly even within Europe. It reveals how familiarization with religious and philosophical diversity in Europe should lead to the modification of legal frameworks historically designed to accommodate majority religions. This in turn should give rise to recognition of new groups and communities and eventually, a more adequate response to the plurality of religions and beliefs in European society.
Review Quotes: '...the variety of contributions is not at the expense of the thematic, conceptual, and methodological cohesion of the book. On the contrary, there is a remarkable unity and consistency and a systematic analysis of issues concerning religious freedom, pluralism, and the law in Europe.' Journal of Contemporary Religion 'This book provides crucial and relevant insights regarding many of the complex aspects of the relationships between religion and public spaces. It illustrates how concepts that are taken for granted in a specific national context can also migrate and affect the development of case law and legislation in other countries. It is to be welcomed as a new and relevant work in the field.' Religion and Human Rights 'This book offers more than its title promises. It is not only about Europe or about religion. Insightful, suggestive and as diverse as its contributors, it contains a persuasive reflection on the need to rethink the very notion of public space that Western democracies have used since the nineteenth century.' Javier Martinez-Torron, Complutense University School of Law, Spain 'This is a highly important book in a remarkable controversy. Silvio Ferrari and Sabrina Pastorelli present a rich volume full of information, thought, and insight - presenting masterpieces of interdisciplinary research and political guidance. The book is a most valuable contribution to freedom and equality throughout Europe.' Gerhard Robbers, University of Trier, Germany 'Religion in Public Spaces will prove useful to researchers interested in the legal and political issues raised by the public dimension of religion. It could also be used as a supplemental text in advanced undergraduate or graduate seminars on religion and law or religion and politics...' Law & Politics Book Review