All too often religion is largely ignored as a driver of identity formation in the European context, whereas in reality Christian Churches are central players in European identity formation at the national and continental level. Christian Churches in European Integration challenges this tendency, highlighting the position of churches as important identity formers and actors in civil society. Analysing the role of Churches in engaging with two specific EU issues – that of EU treaty reform and ongoing debates about immigration and asylum policy – the author argues that Churches are unique participants in European integration. Establishing a comprehensive view of Christian Churches as having a vital role to play in European integration, this book offers a substantial and provocative contribution both to our understanding of the European Union and the broader question of how religious and state institutions interact with one another.
"The issue of the role of 'religion' in European integration is a topic of great interest among scholars and practitioners of European integration. Mudrov brings a disinterested eye and great research skills to his examination of the role of Christian churches in post-World War II European integration. In the book, Mudrov brings 'religion' back into the history of European integration decades of marginalisation. His book will be read with great profit by scholars and others who are interested in knowing the full story of European integration." - Jeffrey Haynes, London Metropolitan University, UK
Introduction 1. Theories of European Integration: The World of Factors, Institutions and Ideas 2. Identity, Non-State Actors and Religion in European Integration: A Theoretical Approach 3. Churches as Unique Participants in European Integration: The Level of Influence 4. Case Study One: Churches in the Process of the Reform of the EU Treaties 5. Case Study Two: Churches and the EU Immigration and Asylum Policy Conclusion
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