Faith in the public realm

Based on primary research, this book explores the controversies, policies and practices of 'public faith', questioning perceptions of a fixed divide between religious and secular participants in public life and challenging prevailing concepts of a monolithic 'neutral' public realm. It takes an in-depth look at the distinctiveness of faith groups' contribution, but also probes the conflicts and dilemmas that arise, assessing the role and capacity of faith groups within specific public policy contexts, including education, regeneration, housing and community cohesion.

'Faith in the public realm' will be of interest to students, academics, policy-makers and practitioners in the public and voluntary sectors, and in faith communities themselves.

Adam Dinham is Reader in Social Policy and Director of the Faiths and Civil Society Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London. He has practised as a Social Worker and Community Development Worker and researches extensively on the public role of faiths. He is also Visiting Professor at the University of Calgary and advisor to the Faith Based Regeneration Network.

Robert Furbey is Principal Lecturer in Urban Sociology at Sheffield Hallam University. He has contributed to several major research projects exploring the engagement of religious organisations and communities in public life. 

Professor Vivien Lowndes is Pro Vice Chancellor (Research) at De Montfort University, Leicester. She has published widely on local governance and citizen participation and has undertaken pioneering research on the changing role of faith groups in public life.