ABSTRACT

This work fills a significant gap in the current literature by providing a concise introduction to religious institutions and an insightful analysis of their role in world affairs.

Focusing on formal institutions specifically dedicated to governing religious communities, the work examines the intersections between religious and other global institutions, set against the fundamental question: why and how do these intersections matter?

The work explores the role of religion within key issues including

  • Human rights
  • Human security
  • International development and humanitarian relief
  • Climate change
  • Moral responsibilities

The new forms that religious institutions are taking, their fit with human rights and democratic ideals, their changing nature in plural societies, are a highly relevant part of the global institutional picture and this book is essential reading for all students and scholars of global institutions, international relations and religion.

chapter |8 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|39 pages

Religion

An institutional portrait

chapter 2|45 pages

Global religious bodies

chapter 3|36 pages

Religious movements in a globalized world

chapter 4|25 pages

Interfaith encounters

Institutions, approaches, and questions

chapter 5|30 pages

Faith-inspired organizations at work

chapter 6|11 pages

Emerging issues and future directions