Cambios en la política religiosa de España: el papel del Observatorio del Pluralismo Religioso

Abstract

The processes of secularization experienced by post-industrial societies have led to the transformation of public policy aimed at regulating the issue of religion. In particular, the transformation of religious policy has become necessary in those states where three situations converge: societies whose religious affiliation has traditionally been homogeneous, with low levels of secularization mainly due to government action, which have experienced massive diversification of religious affiliation amongst the population due to various migratory streams. These pages examine the role of the Observatorio del Pluralismo Religioso en España (the Observatory of Religious Pluralism in Spain) in the management of religious diversity, in keeping with the models of cultural pluralism: multiculturalism and interculturalism. The main conclusions are based on the evolution that has occurred in the management of religious pluralism from a multiculturalist perspective, primarily aimed at complying with the constitutional principles and regulatory framework governing practice of the Right to Religious Freedom. Evidence is also provided of intercultural management positions, highlighting actions aimed at positive interaction between members of different religious communities, and helping - through guidance to institutions (local authorities, educational institutions, health organizations, etc.) mutual - to manage potential conflicts from the perspective of the opportunity for re-understanding and respect.