Europa faced with the phenomenon of «sects»

Abstract

In European societies we find the deeply rooted principle according to which States must not restrict freedom of religion or conscience, but should maintain neutrality. Plurality thus must be protected from the various European institutions. As supranational entities, the Council of Europe and the European Parliament recognize the fundamental right of freedom and tolerance towards all religious expressions. This paper describes and analyzes the official documents produced by the two institutions on the implantation, in the old continent, of so-called sects (which we prefer to call new religious movements).