Secularism, Racism and the Politics of Belonging

This collection of papers is a reflection of an ongoing debate about the relationships between religion, the
citizen and the state. It is a debate that is far from settled, and indeed one which may be unsettling, but a
debate which too often generates more heat than light. It is, however, a crucial discussion since it goes to the
heart of our understanding of modern citizenship, the role of the state and the struggle for equality.
Runnymede was especially pleased to partner with colleagues at the Centre for Refugees, Migration and
Belonging (CRMB) at the University of East London in co-hosting the two conferences from which these
papers are drawn. CRMB’s serious and engaged approach to relating political theory to political action
enabled academics, commentators and practitioners to share a platform where disagreements were aired
and constructive debate and discussion enabled. We hope that the conferences act as a model for the
deliberations which are necessary to address the thorny challenges raised by the authors. Many of these
disagreements are reflected in the papers presented here. The collected papers discuss faith-based
schooling, the veil, honour based violence, religious arbitration, and the delivery of public services by faith
communities. All of these issues remain very much alive in contemporary public policy debates in the UK
and beyond.