Centre for Theology and Religious Studies, Lund University in collaboration with the Center for Constitutional Studies and Democratic Development in Bologna
2 - 4 April 2020, Lund, Sweden
On 30 June 2016, the Swedish Government decided to commission an inquiry into a new amendment of the Regulation on the State Support for Religious Communities. The effect of this work has been written into a report, SOU 2018:18, which offered an in-depth analysis of the previous regulations, and proposed changes that could adapt the legislation to the changing religious landscape in Sweden. The proposals of the report have significant legal and theological implications, which have a bearing on the definition of religion, religious community, and acceptable/encouraged religiosity. They also provide solid ground for comparative analysis. As other countries of the European Union face similar challenges, and many of them also consider changing their systems of governmental support for faith communities, the Swedish report could be the starting point for a pan-European discussion on the changing relationship between the State and religious communities in the face of growing pluralization.
The conference will provide a forum for academics, research focused practitioners and policy makers to present research findings concerned with the implications of state funding for religion, religious communities and faith-based organizations. We especially invite perspectives from law, theology and social sciences, but related disciplines are also welcomed. We encourage proposals concerned with both single case studies and comparative approach.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
• Javier Martínez-Torrón, Complutense University of Madrid
• Jessica Giles, Open University
• Sara Pennicino, Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe
• Ulrich Schmiedel, University of Edinburgh
• Ryszard Piotrowski, University of Warsaw
• Public Panel of Experts on Scandinavian Law & Religion
KEY DATES
• 31 Jan 2020 - Abstract submission deadline
• 14 Feb 2020 - Announcement of acceptance
• 21 Feb 2020 - Announcement of the Conference program
• 2-4 Apr 2020 - Conference
• 30 Nov 2020 - Deadline for Paper Submission to the Post- Conference Volume
HOW TO REACH LUND?
• Flights to Kastrup Airport (CPH) and train to Lund C (approx. 40 minutes)
• Flights to Malmö Sturup (MMX) and Flygbuss to Lunds Centralstation (approx. 35 minutes)
OTHER KEY FACTS
• There is no conference fee.
• The organizers will offer help in finding accommodation if needed.
Submissions of abstracts of approximately 300 words should be sent
by email to [email protected] by 31 January 2020.
