Religion in the Public Sphere

"This rich and stimulating collection will be welcomed by scholars and students alike, both in the social sciences and in schools of religion and theology." -- David Lyon, Department of Sociology, Queen's University "The essays in Religion in the Public Sphere outline many of the different ways in which religion plays a role in the constitution of the public and private spheres of life in Canada. In fact, they go a long way in clarifying the uniqueness of the Canadian context in relation to the issue." -- Leona Anderson, Professor Emerita, Department of Religious Studies, University of Regina

With this edited collection, Solange Lefebvre and Lori G. Beaman bring together a series of case studies of religious groups and practices from all across Canada that re-examine and question the classic distinction between the public and private spheres.

The place of religion in the public realm is the subject of frequent and lively debate in the media, among academics and policymakers, and within communities. With this edited collection, Solange Lefebvre and Lori G. Beaman bring together a series of case studies of religious groups and practices from all across Canada that re-examine and question the classic distinction between the public and private spheres.

Religion in the Public Sphere explores the public image of religious groups, legal issues relating to “reasonable accommodations,” and the role of religion in public services and institutions like health care and education. Offering a wide range of contributions from religious studies, political science, theology, and law, Religion in the Public Sphere presents emerging new models to explain contemporary relations between religion, civil society, the private sector, family, and the state.