عنوان

In twenty-first century Europe, do constitutional democracies require co-operation or strict separation between public authorities and religious bodies?

Number

TLets785659

Title Proper

In twenty-first century Europe, do constitutional democracies require co-operation or strict separation between public authorities and religious bodies?

General Material Designation

[Thesis]

First Statement of Responsibility

Holdsworth, Michael

Subsequent Statement of Responsibility

Brazier, Rodney ; Garcia Oliva, JavierHoldsworth, MichaelBrazier, Rodney ; Garcia Oliva, Javier

Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.

University of Manchester

Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.

2019

Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree

Thesis (Ph.D.)

Text preceding or following the note

2019

Text of Note

The study is a comparative investigation into the religion-state relations in three Western European countries: the United Kingdom, France and Italy. Each country represents one of the three classical models of religion-state relations. Within the wider framework of law and religion in the United Kingdom, the Church of England's constitutional links with the State represent the most important aspect of the established church model. France seeks to separate religion from the State under its consitutional principle of laïcité. Italy represents one of a number of countries that co-operates with religious bodies by entering into agreements with them. The analysis of each country contains a section on political and religious demography which provides empirical context. The model of religion-state relations and exceptions to it are then discussed. A historical section focuses on aspects of the encounter between religion and emerging liberal democracy. Finally, a case study examines some of the contemporary legal issues arising from the stat's interaction with religion. The study considers which aspects of the three models are more in-line with democratic credentials. In doing so, it explores the key pillars of liberal democracy: participation and the democratic process; the rule of law; the separation of powers; and human rights. In response to the findings of the research, the study presents the outline of a new model of religion-state relations based on a critique of the three classical models. The new model is one of critical engagement between religion and the state from a position of mutual separation. The model takes seriously the historical legacy of the encounter between religion and liberal democracy and attempts to integrate the inevitable tensions within its structure.

Brazier, Rodney ; Garcia Oliva, Javier

University of Manchester

University of Manchester

Electronic name

p

[Thesis]

276903

a

Y