Religious Diversity in Europe and the Rights of Religious Minorities

Elizabeta Kitanovic / Patrick Roger Schnabel (Editor)

Abstract

In October 2016, the Conference of European Churches brought together in Zagreb (Croatia) dozens of experts to discuss the challenges facing minority churches, and religious minorities in general. The European landscape presents many difficulties for these communities. Some struggle with obtaining legal status, some are subject to discrimination, exclusion or even open hostility. Widespread prejudices, destruction or confiscation of property, and barriers to religious rituals and ceremonies make daily life difficult for many communities across the continent. CEC, and the participants gathered at the Zagreb conference, are convinced that minorities bring value to societies, and that deeper religious literacy, enhanced understanding, and fostering dialogue will contribute to their flourishing. This volume contains their contributions to these discussions with a hope that it will contribute to healthy, diverse societies throughout Europe.