The Law 4301/2014 and the Legal Personality of Religious Communities
Eleni M. Palioura
Lawyer, PhD C. in Ecclesiastical Law, Athens Law School / Legal Advisor of the Anglican Church in Greece, Religious Legal Body
Law 4301/2014 addresses a legislative gap by providing a framework for religious communities in Greece, particularly concerning legal personality. It introduces two new forms of religious legal entities, detailing their establishment, administration, and dissolution. The law also defines the term “religious community” and establishes a presumption of known religion for communities with licensed places of worship. While maintaining the state’s neutrality, the law aims to accommodate the diverse religious expressions within Greek society. The recognition of the Catholic Church and other existing Churches under specific provisions simplifies their legal integration. Moreover, a single Electronic Registry is mandated to enhance transparency by documenting religious legal entities and their ministers. Overall, Law 4301/2014 aligns with modern legal principles of neutrality and religious pluralism while safeguarding religious freedom within a regulated environment.
Keywords: Law 4301/2014; religious freedom; legal personality; Greece; autonomy; regulation
