02/07/2026 09:00
- 17:10
HALL: Parenzo - Aula Magna
Contact:
Mattes A.
Chair:
Berkmann B.,
Mattes A.
The intersection of law, politics, and religion has long shaped the religious landscape of Europe. Law is involved in two ways: the law by which a state regulates religion, and the internal law by which religious communities organize themselves. With regard to the first, it was historically developed in alignment with dominant churches, reflecting the cultural and political hegemony of established religious traditions. However, in the age of migration, these legal systems are increasingly confronted with the challenge of accommodating and embedding new and diverse religious communities. With regard to the second, the question is which legal structures a religious community provides for immigrant members and how they relate to the established communities.
The politicization of both religion and migration has further complicated efforts to address these challenges. Political debates surrounding migration often frame religion as a site of cultural conflict, which can hinder the development of well-thought-out legal solutions. The instrumentalization of religion in political discourse risks divisions and undermines the potential for constructive dialogue between religious migrant communities, host societies, and state institutions.
This panel brings together interdisciplinary perspectives from legal studies, political science, and theology to critically assess the impact of legal frameworks and religion politics on the state of migrant religious communities. We cover developments in contemporary Europe and include comparative global perspectives from different religious traditions. The panel seeks to explore pathways for fostering legal and social environments that are both inclusive and responsive to the realities of religious diversity. Thereby, the panel aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between law, politics, and religion in shaping the future of increasinlgy plural and mobile societies.
