THE MANAGEMENT OF RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY IN CONTEMPORARY SPAIN

This chapter analyses the evolution of the management of religious diversity in Spain from the transition to democracy to the present day. The main thesis is that an important change has taken place in the management of this diversity over recent years. There has been a shift away from a predominantly vertical, hierarchical, centralised model towards a more horizontal, plural, multi-level approach. This change is the result of the emergence of new challenges and critical events that have politicised religious diversity and produced pressure for the deeper and more active involvement of public agencies in this issue. This new form of management favours a more democratic, inclusive approach to religious diversity, but it has also intensified the surveillance, regulation and control of religious organisations.