Challenges and Opportunities for Covenantal Pluralism in Romania

Abstract

This article examines the concept of covenantal pluralism in Romania, the most religious country in Europe according to a 2018 survey run by the Pew Research Centre. After a short overview of religion-state relations and religious demography, it focuses on three dimensions of covenantal pluralism: freedom of religion and belief, religious literacy and the advancement of virtues. It examines the key challenges and opportunities faced by covenantal pluralism and argues that religious literacy, social inclusion, populism and the politicization of religion are key factors impacting social norms and electoral processes. These challenges are significant for understanding major trends in religion-state relations, the building of a multi-faith society in Romania, and the resurgence of far-right politics in Eastern Europe.