Welfare and religion in a European Perspective

A Comparative Study of the Role of the Churches as Agents of Welfare within the Social Economy. The overall aim of the project is to analyse the function of majority churches as agents of social welfare in a comparative European perspective. Which roles do the historic churches in Europe play within different welfare systems? Which tasks have they taken on as providers of welfare? How do they influence welfare at a normative level, through their historical roles and through public debate? Which expectations do they meet? The background of the project lies in the profound and interrelated economic, social and religious changes that are currently taking place in European society. All of these changes challenge existing models of welfare organisation. Questions concerning the organisation of social welfare are high on the political agenda all over Europe. The project covers eight European countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, England, France, Germany, Italy, Greece.