Religious Communities and Social Cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Historical Legacy and Contemporary Challenges
摘要
This chapter examines the role of religious communities in shaping social cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina through historical and contemporary developments. It highlights how religious institutions have been central to collective identities and how their influence has shifted under different political regimes. The analysis focuses on the institutional frameworks of Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Islam, their relationship with the state, and interreligious dynamics. Special attention is given to the legal framework, the Interreligious Council, religious education, and humanitarian work. By exploring cooperation and tensions, the chapter outlines both the limitations and opportunities of interfaith dialogue in modern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite various challenges, religious communities remain deeply embedded as social actors. Their joint humanitarian efforts, the Interreligious Council’s role in institutional cooperation, and positive examples in education show that interfaith collaboration is both possible and already present in key areas of society.