The evolution of religious diversity: Mapping religious minorities in Barcelona

Abstract

Spain can no longer be considered a religiously homogeneous country. Despite the still strong preeminence of (nominal) Catholics, the number of those declaring no religious affiliation and those belonging to religious minorities has increased steadily in the last years. Census data on religious affiliation is not available in Spain due to constitutional ban, but survey data and information about the number of places of worship of religious minorities can be used as a proxy to the transformations occurred in the religious field. The aim of this chapter is to provide a general overview on the religious diversification of Spanish society, paying particular attention to the changes that local congregations have undergone in the last 15 years. Focusing on the city of Barcelona and drawing on quantitative and qualitative data, the chapter will highlight the major trends that characterise the evolution of religious minorities' congregations. In particular, the chapter will look at the increase in the number and diversification of the places of worship of the religious minorities, their spatial spread across the territory, and the transformations in the doctrinal orientation of the different faiths. It will also provide insights on the impact of particular institutional settings (i.e. laws and funding schemes) on the institutionalisation of these congregations.