Political roof and sacred canopy: religion and the EU constitution

Schlesinger, P. (2006) Political roof and sacred canopy: religion and the EU constitution. European Journal of Social Theory, 9(1), pp. 59-81. (doi: 10.1177/1368431006060463)

Abstract

Debate over the place of Christianity in European politics and society has made an important come-back. The Convention on the Future of Europe’s deliberations over the EU Constitution has thrown into relief the role of religion in defining ‘Europeanness’. In the context of a secularized Europe, Christianity is fighting for its institutional recognition and space in the public sphere. Religion may offer a cultural identity and work both to resist and to accommodate change. However, the Christian mobilization has been challenged by those who defend the secular order. The debate over whether Christianity should be seen as constitutive of European identity has been framed by wider concerns about collective identities and memories in Europe.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Schlesinger, Professor Philip
• Authors: Schlesinger, P.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion; J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe)
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Theatre Film and TV Studies
• Journal Name: European Journal of Social Theory
• ISSN: 1368-4310
• ISSN (Online): 1461-7137