The book reflects on the statement that religion represents a force in the public realms of society. Does religion regain public significanc in social debates and what are its characteristics in terms of topics and interests, actors and parties? How do different religious and non-religious groups evaluate the impact of religion on its public environment? These questions are reflected by an international group of scholars.

Prof. Dr. Leslie J. Francis, PhD (1976), ScD (1997) in Religious Education, University of Cambridge, DD (2001) in theology, University of Oxford, is Professor of Religions and Education at Warwick University. He has published extensively on practical Theology, religious education, psychology of religion, and empirical theology.
Hans-Georg Ziebertz, PhD, Dr. Habil. in Theology (1990), University of Nijmegen, and Social Sciences/ Pedagogy (1993), University of Tübingen, is Professor of Practical Theology and Religious Education at the University of Würzburg. He has published extensively on empirical theology, religious education, and gender and intercultural identity.