Faith in Democracy

"The role of religious faith within liberal democracies is debated today with increasing passion but often confusedly and acrimoniously. While the secular-minded register alarm at the threat of supposed 'theocratic' challenges to the very foundations of democracy, religious citizens cry foul at what they see as an encroaching 'secularist hegemony' that pushes them to the margins. Reflecting on the place of faith in public life in the UK, this book offers a broad framework by which the legitimate influence of faith on democratic debate and decision-making can be better understood. It argues for a truly conversational space, reflecting on the contested concepts at the heart of the debate about the place of faith in British public life: democracy, secularism, pluralism and public faith"-- Back cover.