A Comparative Case Study of Religious Identities and Civic Rights in Three Multi-Religious Societies

Abstract

Religious diversity is increasing in many societies around the world. As more countries become multi-religious, there are growing challenges in how religious identities are defined and civic rights of religious groups are protected. This research examined approaches adopted in three diverse multi-religious societies – India, Nigeria and Canada – to balance religious identities and civic participation. Through analysis of government policies, court rulings and interviews with religious leaders, the study identified sources of tension between religious communities and evaluated different models employed. The findings suggested that while the separation of religion and State helps protect against religious domination, it does not adequately accommodate religious practices or minority rights. Equal treatment policies are valuable but may not sufficiently recognize cultural differences. Accommodation of religious norms provides inclusiveness but risks endorsing certain beliefs over others. Additionally, collective rights need to be balanced with individual freedoms to ensure full civic participation across communities. The research contributes new insights into conceptualizing and operationalizing inclusive models that harness religious diversity’s positive role in democratic societies.

Keywords

• religious identities
• civic rights
• civic community
• religious freedom
• religious diversity
• inclusive institutions
• religious tolerance.