This thesis critically compares the accommodation of religious minority beliefs in prisons in Germany and the United States. Following the approach of critical secularism scholarship, it investigates if there is a Christian bias in the recognition of the religious needs and practices of inmates in both countries. The first part of the thesis examines and compares the relevant frameworks. The first chapter explains the relevant actors and the key figures of the prison system of Germany and the U.S. The second chapter sheds light on the history of religion in the prison domain and clarifies the theoretical strands of deterrence, retribution, and rehabilitation. It analyzes the prison reforms during the 1970s and 1980s in both countries and shows that the motivations and circumstances of these reforms have impact on the ccommodation of religion in the prison domains today. The third chapter discusses religious diversity in numerical as well as textual terms. Against the background of the immigration history of each country, the third chapter shows how religious diversity has developed differently in Germany and the U.S. and how this has shaped different notions of religious equality and fairness in each country's constitutionalism. The fourth chapter compares the relevant constitutional framework in light of the state-religion model, the constitutional religious freedom and equality doctrine, and the fundamental rights status of inmates in each country. The second part of this thesis starts with a theoretical and normative investigation of the concept of religious accommodation. Based on multiculturalism research, it is argued that unequal treatment of religious minorities is normatively relevant as their alienation likely undermines their equal standing in society. Subsequently, the empirically most essential needs and practices of inmates are doctrinally analyzed and compared: that to participate in chaplaincy programs, to follow religious dietary guidelines, and to use and possess religious objects and literature. The comparison shows that while the discrimination of non-Christian beliefs is a common element in both jurisdictions, the generally better treatment of inmates in Germany has to be confronted with a higher relevance of religious claims in the U.S. federal prison system.

This publication examines the rules in force in Europe governing prisons and the treatment of prisoners, including the use of force, the selection of prison staff and the protection of prisoners' human rights, based on Recommendation Rec (2006) 2 on the European Prison Rules (which was adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in January 2006). It contains the text of the recommendation with a detailed commentary on it, together with a report which considers recent developments and analyses the effectiveness of these rules and of imprisonment as a form of punishment.

This is the first in-depth study of relations between the Anglican Church and other faiths in the Prison Service Chaplaincy. It examines the increasingly controversial role of Anglican chaplains in facilitating the religious and pastoral care of the increasing population of prisoners from non-Christian backgrounds. Drawing useful contrasts with the situation in the United States, it shows how the struggle for equal opportunities in a multi-faith society is politicizing relations among the Church, the state and religious minorities in England.

"The present guide offers information related to norms and mechanisms developed to protect the rights of persons belonging to national, ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities. It includes detailed information about procedures and forums in which minority issues may be raised to minorities and by also covering selected specialized agencies and regional mechanisms, the present Guide complements information contained in Working with the United Nations Human Rights Programme: A Handbook for Civil Society"--Introduction.

Today, pluralism is increasingly the norm and can be seen as a permanent characteristic of modernity. As seen in world events, religion has not become irrelevant but more diverse, giving rise to a complex web of religion and belief minorities, together with intra-plural majorities. Nations seek ways to implement the ideal of freedom of religion, but as this book shows, whether East or West, in the global North or the South, there is no simple formalism for accommodating religious diversity. Different faith communities have competing needs and demands for the same social space, with tensions inevitably arising. This book highlights responses from liberal democracies which enshrine secularism into their constitutions to other constitutions where religion and ethnic identity are enshrined to prioritise their ethno-religious majority. Western and Asian countries encounter different obstacles and challenges. With analysis from 19 international scholars, the book explores different obstacles and responses to accommodation of religious minorities in a range of jurisdictions. In a globalised world, it will be invaluable for comparative legal scholars, for law and religion scholars, researchers and students, and decision-makers, e.g., governments, non-governmental organisations, and for those who seek to better understand the challenges of our time.