The European religious landscape is changing fundamentally. Are we experiencing a decline
revival recycling or transformation of religion? Moreover will Europe become a museum of
religions or a laboratory of new religious experiences? A group of experts from different
disciplines and nationalities meeting in Pecs Hungary the European Capital of Culture 2010
examines in detail the contrasting developments around the religious lives of individuals
communities institutions emerging from processes of secularisation relativisation and
privatisation ( believing without belonging ). What emerges is a picture of very contrasting
mega-trends with positive and negative aspects characterised for example by a sharp decline
in traditional situations as well as the emergence of new situations rich of flurries which
are featured mostly under the so-called creative minorities . On which heritage of ultimate
values does the EU and its member states want to base the cohesion of the new society while
respecting cultural diversities and religious pluralism? What happens in the world of religions
cannot be side-lined if we are looking for an appropriate response. Important indications can
be provided by the way in which the heads of religious institutions as well as communities
and individuals live in possible dialogue in a European society that is increasingly
multicultural multi-ethnic and multi-religious. The analysis of on-going experiences in Europe
shows that a truly constructive dialogue can give a vital contribution to the strengthening of
social cohesion and democracy. But what are the real terms in this confrontation? In other
words what is tolerable? And what is acceptable? European experts who have worked with a
multidisciplinary and systemic approach of the analysis of these phenomena attended the
initiatives of the European Research Group R.I.P.E. Religious Innovation and Pluralism in 21st
Century Europe which was founded in 2006 by Prof. Viggo Mortensen Aarhus University Denmark
(www.ripe-project.eu).
