In a complete evaluation of the social motion of minority spiritual denominations in Spain, lecturers Sebastián Mora Rosado, Guillermo Fernández Maillo, José Antonio López-Ruiz and Agustín Blanco Martín, publish their revealing findings in quantity 3, quantity 2 of “Cuestiones de Pluralismo” for the second half of 2023.
The article highlights that European society has undergone a profound transformation in its spiritual expertise, regardless of the predictions of the sociologies of secularisation that predicted its demise. On this context, Spain faces distinctive challenges, marked by a persistent tendency to make spiritual variety invisible. In keeping with Díez de Velasco (2013), there’s a deep-rooted notion that hyperlinks spiritual variety with foreignness and Catholicity with Spanishness.
The examine, supported by the Pluralism and Coexistence Basis, addresses the dearth of public data concerning the social motion of non-Catholic spiritual denominations in Spain. Though some partial research have been carried out, the analysis is introduced as a pioneering initiative by offering a extra full imaginative and prescient of this social actuality.
Inside the framework of the analysis, the participation of confessions similar to Buddhist, Evangelical, Bahá’í Religion, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church of Scientology, Jewish, Muslim, Orthodox, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Sikh is highlighted. The strategy encompasses each quantitative and qualitative analyses to ‘map’ the social motion of those faiths, inspecting assets, perceptions and intrinsic values.
One of many key findings is the low visibility of those social actions in comparison with different nations which have delved into related analyses. The findings reveal that, normally phrases, these denominations perform their social work on the native degree, with small constructions and a robust involvement of volunteers. As well as, funding comes primarily from their very own assets, with restricted assist from the general public or personal sector.
The article additionally highlights the complexity of the connection between these denominations and public administrations. Though some denominations need particular recognition as spiritual entities within the area of social motion, this might pose challenges when it comes to secularism and freedom of conscience, in addition to contradicting rules of equality within the allocation of public companies.
The examine underlines the significance of organised social motion, specializing in primary help programmes and social promotion actions. It additionally highlights the peculiarity of the interior assist that these denominations present to their very own followers, whereas on the identical time sustaining an open dedication to those that don’t share their beliefs.
One challenge that hovers over the examine is the notion that these social actions could be motivated by proselytising. Nonetheless, focus group contributors emphasise the separation between social motion and proselytising, advocating the significance of attending to religious wants with out participating in invasive practices.
Lastly, the authors conclude by stating the necessity to reverse the invisibilisation of those spiritual confessions and to encourage their collaboration with different public and third-sector social motion entities. They contemplate that social motion will be the privileged area to point out the general public and social dimension of those spiritual traditions, thus contributing to the development of a post-secular, plural and democratic society. The duty, though difficult, is perceived as important to constructing a society the place spiritual variety is an actual “reservoir of which means” for citizenship.
