摘要：This article analyses the special circumstances in which the close relation that exists between the British State and the established Church of England affects the transmission of religion in England. The argument is that an ethos of pluralism and tolerance is no longer sufficient to guarantee the right to religious freedom in a country that is becoming increasingly diverse in terms of religion. The ‘opportunity structure’ still gives advantages to the established Church and to other mainstream Christian Churches in realms of the public sphere where agencies of the State control the definition and the practice of ‘acceptable’ religion. Examples of the State’s attempt to control the transmission of religion by means of ‘consumer protection’ are taken from the realms of public education, prison chaplaincy and public broadcasting. The conclusion is that the right to religious freedom is compromised by a new form of erastianism.
