This conference focuses on the role of religion in modern Europe with an emphasis on the social dimension and by viewing religious institutions as important parts of civil society, while regarding the normative claims and worries cited above as empirical questions. It will include a number of perspectives, such as consideration of the particular historical and theological legacies that continue to shape the role of religion in Europe; religion as a matter of personal faith vs. religion as community and social identity; religious beliefs and networks as context for social and political mobilization, religion and its instrumental aspects, including the provision of education, culture, and social welfare.

How to participate

Submissions to present papers on the conference themes are welcome. The deadline for submission of abstracts (max 200 words) is June 1 and deadline for papers is August 26, 2009.

Who

The conference is open to all members of the CINEFOGO Network as well as to other interested colleagues. PhD students are also welcome to apply.

Where

The conference will be held at Ersta Sköndal University College in Stockholm, Sweden. It is situated in the heart of Stockholm. For more information, please see http://www.esh.se.

Organizers

The conferences is collaboratively organized and funded by the CINEFOGO Network of Excellence on Civil Society and New Forms of Governance in Europe, Stiftelsen Riksbankens Jubileumsfond (the Bank of Sweden TercentenaryFoundation), Ersta Sköndal University College, Sweden and The Netherlands Institute for Social Research, Holland. Additionally, the Church of Sweden Research Unit is supporting the open introductory lecture.

Costs

The conference fee will be 40 Euro (or 75 Euro including a welcome buffet style type dinner). The conference will be free for paper-givers, while travel and accommodation costs will be covered by each individual participant/institution.

Registration and further information

• For registration and practical matters please contact Lena Blomquist, e-mail: lena.blomquist@esh.se, telephone +46 8 55505130.
• The conference programme will be continuously updated. Please see the latest version at http://www.esh.se.
• Deadline for registration is August 10th. Your registration is binding.

Please mention which meals you would like to attend:

• Buffet type conference dinner September 17
  
• Lunch September 18
  
• Lunch September 19

Contacts

• Regarding professional matters and submission of abstracts, please contact Charlotte Engel, e-mail charlotte.engel@esh.se or Paul Dekker, p.dekker@scp.nl.
• For registration and practical matters please contact Lena Blomquist, e-mail: lena.blomquist@esh.se, telephone +46 8 55505130.