This chapter has three sections. The first discusses the conceptual difficulties arising from the study of religious pluralism and democracy, drawing on the work of James Beckford — particularly his discussion of religious pluralism as social construct. The second examines the study of new religious movements and the questions that such movements raise for democracy. The third section discusses the growing faith communities in Europe and the gradual process of accommodation, or otherwise, as these communities become part of their chosen societies. The British case is developed in some detail, with the French and Dutch cases offering points of comparison.
Keywords: James Beckford, religious pluralism, democracy, Europe, accommodation, new religious movements, Britain, France, Netherlands, faith communities