The challenge of pluralism

by Stephen V. Monsma

This study compares and evaluates the nature of church-state relations in the United States, the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, and England. The authors conclude that the American conception of church-state separation, with its traditional emphasis on avoiding government establishment of religion, actually discriminates against religious groups by denying religious organizations, particularly schools, access to government services provided by other organizations. The authors persuasively argue that the United States can learn a great deal from these other nations in promoting religious neutrality and the free exercise of religion.