ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book stresses the fact that documents on universal human rights consist of moral principles that have to be implemented into national law to become legally binding. It analyses the legal attempts to ban religious manifestations from the public space and identifies how two European courts’ decisions rely on of a specific conception of liberal neutrality. The book also stresses the importance of differentiating between resentment towards Islam the religion and towards individual Muslims. It elucidates that anti-Muslim attitudes are not a recent phenomenon in Christian societies. The book shows that individual faith becomes an important marker for migrants as religious organisations are the key local actors providing social activities and assistance. It analyses how various Russian congregations in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area create social cohesion and integrate their members into Finnish society.
