Prof. Dr. Alejandro Torres Gutiérrez
Area of Ecclesiastical Law
Public Law Department. Law Faculty 
Public University of Navarre, SPAIN 
E-mail: Ova adresa el. pošte zaštićena je od spam napada, treba omogućiti JavaSkript da biste je videli

NEUTRALITY OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES

AND RELIGION

Abstract

The idea of neutrality is a keyword in the history of freedom of religion and conscience. Without State neutrality, the full recognition of these liberties is not possible. The main task will be to construct a definition of the concept of neutrality, from historical experience and a Comparative Law perspective. The jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights shows a possible way of understanding the principle of neutrality. It is not the only one possible. After centuries of religious wars, Europe wants to find a harmonic framework of coexistence between different religions, beliefs and ways of thinking. The idea of tolerance and neutrality of public authorities is a necessary first step, but it does not mean the end of the way.

Key words: neutrality, religious freedom, tolerance