2011 Paul Hanly Furfey LectureIs There a Crisis of Secularism in Western Europe?

The article discusses political secularism as an institutional arrangement where religious authority and religious reasons for action and political authority and political reasons for action are distinguished. It cites the author's focus in Western Europe which is currently witnessing a transition from a secular to a postsecular society where secular citizens must express a previously denied respect for religious citizens. It notes how religion is again being recognized as a legitimate basis of public engagement and political action which results in a contemporary crisis of secularism globally. It suggests for political secularists to thing on how to multiculturalize moderate secularism and avoid provoking the crisis by pressing for radical secularism.