Institute of Ethnology and Social Anthropology SAS
Topic
Negotiating Religion in the Public Sphere: Contested Narratives, Secular Critique, and Church-Related Abuse Scandals
PhD. program
World Cultures and Religions, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University
Year of admission
2026
Name of the supervisor
Mgr. Juraj Majo, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Filozofická fakulta UK
Annotation
Scandals regarding sexual abuse in churches are a regularly occurring theme in media coverage. In the past few decades, numerous cases have come to light, leading to public discourse, investigations, and a historic high in the number of people leaving churches. The handling of these crimes by the state and the system of enablement and cover-up within the churches are important issues in secular activism. Points of criticism include the lack of legal and political action and the inadequate interaction with victims. Moreover, the accounting of the situation is objectionable because it is entrusted to church institutions.
A qualitative study on this matter can examine public discourse, individual perspectives on churches and religion, the role of secular activism, and the legal context.
A qualitative study on this matter can examine public discourse, individual perspectives on churches and religion, the role of secular activism, and the legal context.