RT Article
T1 Portuguese MEPs and religion as a case of ‘dual identity’: Christians at heart, secular at work
JF Religion, state & society
VO 51
IS 4/5
SP 452
OP 472
A1 Antunes, Sandrina
A1 Cipriano, António Pedro
LA English
PB Routledge
YR 2023
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1876261021
AB The literature has long acknowledged the role of religion in the linkages between national identity, politics, and Europe. However, little is known about how religion permeates the activity of Portuguese members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and whether this includes a politicisation of religion. This contribution sheds light on the use of religion by Portuguese MEPs during the European term 2019–2024. Drawing on a questionnaire and other quantitative and qualitative data, the contribution shows that religion itself has lost salience in terms of the activity of Portuguese MEPs. Instead, ‘religiously loaded’ themes are used as empty signifiers to reinforce collective and personal identity belongings. We conclude that the use of religion by Portuguese MEPs mirrors a secular transition found in Portugal since 1974 that has led to the privatisation of faith and a clear separation between the Catholic Church and the state. In sum, although Portuguese MEPs remain predominantly Catholic, the place of religion in European politics is a case of ‘dual identity’: they are Christians at heart but secular at work.
K1 Portugal
K1 European Union
K1 European Parliament
K1 Politics
K1 Religion
DO 10.1080/09637494.2023.2273089