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(Re)Conceptualizing Covenantal Pluralism in Georgia : Interfaith Dynamics on Orthodox Terms

Metreveli, Tornike LU orcid (2025) In Review of Faith and International Affairs 23(1). p.57-74
Abstract
This article critically examines the dual role of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) as both a cultural guardian of national identity and a barrier to covenantal pluralism in Georgia. Drawing on legal-financial and comparative-historical analysis, it demonstrates how the GOC’s institutional dominance perpetuates systemic inequalities, including disproportionate state funding, inequitable property restitution, and legal privileges that often marginalize minority religious communities. The article argues that while the Church’s hegemonic position exacerbates religious inequities, its rich theological tradition—particularly concepts such as perichoresis and kenosis—can be leveraged to promote pluralism.
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
covenantal pluralism, Georgian orthodox church, religious diversity, church-state relations, Legal frameworks, Islam in Georgia, Orthodox Theology
in
Review of Faith and International Affairs
volume
23
issue
1
pages
57 - 74
publisher
Taylor & Francis
external identifiers
  • scopus:85217864340
ISSN
1557-0274
DOI
10.1080/15570274.2025.2454815
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
409d82cd-6a29-41bb-ade5-bcf7e16f7f8e
date added to LUP
2025-02-24 14:32:05
date last changed
2025-04-04 15:25:11
@article{409d82cd-6a29-41bb-ade5-bcf7e16f7f8e,
  abstract     = {{This article critically examines the dual role of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) as both a cultural guardian of national identity and a barrier to covenantal pluralism in Georgia. Drawing on legal-financial and comparative-historical analysis, it demonstrates how the GOC’s institutional dominance perpetuates systemic inequalities, including disproportionate state funding, inequitable property restitution, and legal privileges that often marginalize minority religious communities. The article argues that while the Church’s hegemonic position exacerbates religious inequities, its rich theological tradition—particularly concepts such as perichoresis and kenosis—can be leveraged to promote pluralism.<br/>}},
  author       = {{Metreveli, Tornike}},
  issn         = {{1557-0274}},
  keywords     = {{covenantal pluralism; Georgian orthodox church; religious diversity; church-state relations; Legal frameworks; Islam in Georgia; Orthodox Theology}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{1}},
  pages        = {{57--74}},
  publisher    = {{Taylor & Francis}},
  series       = {{Review of Faith and International Affairs}},
  title        = {{(Re)Conceptualizing Covenantal Pluralism in Georgia : Interfaith Dynamics on Orthodox Terms}},
  url          = {{https://lup.lub.lu.se/search/files/209081270/Re_Conceptualizing_Covenantal_Pluralism_in_Georgia_Interfaith_Dynamics_on_Orthodox_Terms.pdf}},
  doi          = {{10.1080/15570274.2025.2454815}},
  volume       = {{23}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}