Concordats with states without a Christian majority

Abstract

The Holy See is increasingly entering into concordats with states where Christians do not constitute the majority of the population. The author researches how the relationship between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions is reflected or even legally regulated in them. The study includes two international organisations, 19 countries worldwide and 6 German federal states. The comprehensive treaties with Israel and Palestine turn out to be particularly yielding in this regard, since they even derive obligations for the Catholic Church from religious freedom, the prohibition of religious discrimination and the imperative for dialogue. In other treaties the research topic is mostly just mentioned indirectly, for example concerning mission, the media or education. In the light of changing attitudes in predominantly Muslim countries, more such concordats, but also interreligious treaties” are to be expected.