Religious Actors and the Articulation of Dissensus in Romania and Greece

The concept of dissensus, which refers to the manifestation of disagreement and the contestation of prevailing liberal democratic norms, has become increasingly relevant in recent years. Religious actors have emerged as vocal critics of various governmental policies and European societal trends in Romania and Greece – two Member States that share significant socio-political similarities. This paper explores the multifaceted ways in which religious actors have engaged in acts of dissensus, challenging consensus paradigms and mobilising political and societal opposition to established forms of democratic governmental reforms. Utilising a comparative analysis of case studies of both countries, the paper aims to elucidate the diverse rhetorical strategies, organisational tactics, and strategic alliances employed by religious actors to amplify dissenting voices and shape public discourses on a range of contentious issues, including gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, LGBT-inclusivity and liberal democratic tolerance. To research the manifold perspectives of religious actors, this study employs qualitative semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection method, aiming to capture the nuances of their experiences, motivations, and strategies in articulating dissensus. A deductive thematic analysis approach will be employed to systematically examine the collected data, identifying recurring themes and patterns illuminating the underlying mechanisms driving active religious contestation in Romania and Greece. This inquiry will provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between religious beliefs, societal norms, and the dynamics of public discourse in shaping acts of dissensus. The paper concludes by examining the implications of faith-based dissensus for the democratic trajectory and the evolving relationship between church and state in both countries. By highlighting the role of religious actors in challenging the status quo and fostering public debate, the paper underscores the significance of dissensus as a catalyst for social and political transnational ‘resistance movements’ against European values.