Chapter 9
In: Annual Review of the Sociology of Religion. Volume 12 (2021)
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Abstract
There is a substantial gap in the literature assessing the experiences and role of organizations with regard to the restrictions of religion. Exceptions exist, such as a shift toward institutional indexes of restrictions or explorations of the independent judiciary in maintaining promises of religious freedom as well as organizations as a potential actor in supporting religious rights. However, others have brushed upon the topic of organizations and freedoms, leaving room for a detailed understanding of the intersection of organizations and religious restrictions. We provide an overview of this intersection through a review of prior literature and original analyses. We begin with an overview of the extent of global regulation of religious organizations. Our second section finds the role of independent judiciaries and free and open elections in protecting religious freedoms. Third, we demonstrate that while international monitoring of religious freedoms is common, it has little impact on reducing state restrictions targeting religious organizations. Finally, we discuss the role of international social movement organizations in promoting global religious freedoms.