The volume deals with the topic of religious freedom in Europe and North
America, although not exclusively. The contributions argue that a clear
separation of State and Church prevents privileged religions, as well as
evangelical movements supported by state interests, from becoming
power-political factors that seek to mould a society according to their
own values and to their benefit. All too often, politicians are happy to
accept ideological support on behalf of a religious community or a
religious grouping, and then seek to further the interests and to
promote these groups. Even though the two countries demonstrate
differences, such constellations may be identified in both the USA and
in Russia.