ABSTRACT
For comparative political scientists and political philosophers, an important starting and focal point for discussions around the empirical and philosophical dimensions of church-state relations is that several European states have established churches. This fact is startling, for many reasons. First, it reminds us that, even in largely secularised societies, particularly in Europe, which is the focus of this volume, there are still formal (and informal) connections between democratic states and religious organisations. Second, in an age of globalisation of modes of religious governance, it suggests that the US model of the ‘non-establishment’ of religion might be more of an exception than a universalisable model. And third, it raises profound questions about the compatibility of religious establishment with liberal democratic notions of citizenship and equality in diverse societies.
