Abstract

This first part of this contribution describes the process through which freedom of religion took shape in Europe and later in the West, concluding with a few remarks on the main features of the European/Western model of religious freedom. This model is then contrasted with the systems existing in other parts of the world, where freedom of religion is placed within the horizon provided by religious affiliation. Today these different models coexist in the same space and this poses new problems hve a direct impact on freedom of religion. . The last part of the article provides a few methodological remarks that can help re-considering the content and scope of the right to freedom of religion.