ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the de-construction of the notion of public sphere according to its spatial and personal components can provide some useful guidelines for dealing with the problems raised by the process of re-publicization and pluralization of religion. It examines the adoption of general and uniform solutions that fail to consider the coexistence of many overlapping public spaces and neglect the specific role that each of them plays in the promotion of a vital and democratic society. The chapter focuses on a practical and case-by-case evaluation of the problems deriving from the manifestations of religion or belief in the public sphere. In Europe religions have a prominent and very visible position in the public sphere: almost everywhere religion is taught in State schools in many countries religions are financed by the state and in some of them there is even a state religion.
