Lived Experiences of Religious Freedom: Organizational Challenges in the United Kingdom

This study examines the lived experiences of religious and non-religious belief organizations in the United Kingdom, focusing on the challenges they face concerning freedom of religion or belief and the steps they take to address them. Despite extensive scholarship on religious freedom, no study has yet theorized how organizations navigate the difficulties associated with Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This paper addresses that gap by introducing a substantive theory, generated through classic grounded theory methodology and based on interviews and textual data. It presents the theory’s key components, including the concepts of status quo, area of concern, and realizing the ideal. While the study focuses on the United Kingdom, its insights hold broader relevance for religious and non-religious belief organizations, advocacy groups, and policymakers worldwide.