The aim of this book is to provide a succinct exposition and critique of the new legal framework concerning religion. It explores the extent to which English law now accommodates religious difference and provides a detailed account of recent legal changes, questioning whether the new laws actually further the protection afforded to religious individuals and groups. It also asks whether it is now possible and desirable to see law and religion as a distinct legal sub-discipline akin to family law or sports law.

Law and Religion furthers many arguments and ideas which I have developed whilst completing my doctorate on ‘Religion, Law and Society’ at Cardiff University and through teaching the postgraduate master's degree in Canon Law and undergraduate module on Comparative Law of Religion at Cardiff Law School. Interactions with students on these courses have improved the text. This book develops many arguments and ideas that I have previously presented or published elsewhere. The feedback of editors, peer reviewers, readers and conference delegates has been invaluable. A number of these previously published works – indeed many of the better ones – have been co-written and I owe a special debt to my co-writers for helping me to develop the ideas and arguments that follow. This book is designed to complement these earlier publications and other leading works in this field. Law and Religion is also complemented by a number of online materials provided on the website of the Centre for Law and Religion at Cardiff.