Examines the politics of identity, considers the competing policies of multiculturalism and pluralism and reflects on the relative effectiveness of these policies in practice. Deals with civil society and examines how its functioning and sustainability is affected by the church–state relationship. Studies the importance of human rights, giving particular attention to equality law, discusses implications for a democratic society. Examines threats to social stability, including reconciling sharia law with state law; religious manifestation by way of clothing, symbols and practices in public places, etc. It probes the significance of the Christian heritage and considers its effect on minority ethnic and cultural groups.