Religion in the Greek Public Sphere: Nuancing the Account

Abstract

The place of religion in Europe is currently in a state of flux. This has much to do with the presence of Islam, but not only; rather, Islam has acted as a catalyst for the asking of deeper questions regarding religion's proper place in European societies. In the aftermath of a change in church leadership, Greece finds itself at a potential crossroads; a reassessment of religion's "proper" place in the Greek public sphere is needed at this juncture. This exercise must move beyond notions of Greek exceptionalism vis-à-vis European norms, given that these norms are themselves being questioned, and produce a nuanced approach that will allow for the critical similarities with Europe in general to emerge. The result is a sounder basis upon which ideal scenarios and expectations can be formulated.