Minority as a Key Perspective on Religious Diversity

This book provides a timely and thorough examination of religious minorities in Europe, paying particular attention to the diversity within Christianity. Drawing on perspectives from Eastern, Central and Western Europe, with a focus on Germany, it examines the complex dynamics of religious life in minority contexts, offering essential insights into the role of faith communities in post-migrant societies. It investigates how sociological conditions shape religious practices and identities, how migration fosters adaptation and renewal, and the contributions of minority communities to multicultural and plural societies. Featuring contributions from leading scholars of theology, sociology and Islamic studies, this multidisciplinary book provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of religion in contemporary Europe. It therefore highlights the importance of ecumenical dialogue and interreligious encounters in an increasingly diverse society. This vital resource sheds light on the often overlooked role of religious minorities in shaping the cultural and religious future of Europe, and is essential reading for scholars, students, and practitioners.

Matthias Ehmann is Professor of Mission Studies and Intercultural Theology at Ewersbach Theological University, Germany. His research engages with theologies of migration in ecumenical perspective (Theologien der Migration 2023), revivalist Protestant movements (Perspectives on the Study of Revivalist Protestantism in Europe 2024), global Christianity, and digital theology. Integrating empirical and theological approaches (Integrating Theory and Praxis in Empirical Missiology 2021), he explores the intersections of theology and religious studies, contributing to current debates on the role of religion in contemporary societies (Donald Rumsfeld, Slavoj Žižek, and Spirituality in Research 2024).
Michael Schroth is Professor for Practical Theology at the Ewersbach Theological University, Germany. His research focuses on interdenominational church theory (Freie evangelische Gemeinden, 2022), pastoral theology with an emphasis on the different actors in churches and congregations and their interdependence (Irgendwie ganz anders, aber irgendwie dann auch doch nicht, 2024) and the intersection between pastoral care and leadership (Seelsorgerin oder Leiterin?, 2023) as well as late modern leadership concepts and their relevance for congregations and churches.