Faithful Resistance: Religious Actors and the Articulation of Dissensus in Romania and Greece

Dissensus, which refers to the manifestation of disagreement and the contestation of prevailing liberal democratic norms, has become increasingly relevant in recent years, as 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 ways in which religious and parareligious actors have engaged in acts of severe dissensus, challenging liberal democratic norms and mobilising political and societal opposition to established forms of democratic government. Through a comparative analysis of case studies from both countries, the paper sheds light on the diverse rhetorical strategies, organisational tactics, and strategic alliances employed by religious actors to amplify dissenting voices and shape public discourses on the most contentious issues: sexual orientation, gender identity and equality. To accurately portray the complex objectives of religious actors, this study employs qualitative semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection method. A deductive thematic analysis approach systematically examines the collected data, identifying recurring themes and patterns illuminating the underlying mechanisms driving religious dissent 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 institutional religious and parareligious actors in challenging the status quo, fostering public debate, and their heterogenous goals, the paper underscores the significance of dissensus as a catalyst for social and political ‘resistance movements’ against European values.