June 30 - July 4, 2025
Kaunas (Lithuania)
Co-organised by ISSR/ SISR, COST Action 20107 “Connecting Theory and Practical Issues of Migration and Religious Diversity” (COREnet), V. Kavolis Transdisciplinary Research Institute, Vytautas Magnus University, and Religions Research and Information Centre
We live in a globalized world shaped by migration, geopolitical crises, and social polarization. Religion is closely entangled with these changes. Linking up with the theoretical debates in the sociology of religion about the role of religion in public life, we invite scholars to reconsider how religion, in terms of religious practices, discourses, imaginaries, organizations, and individuals, is involved in the context of a currently polarized society. The role of religion in social and political conflicts within polarized society, as well as religious contributions to their mitigation and overcoming, is a timely and relevant scientific and social question. When moving to new places to escape violent conflicts, entire religious communities struggle with integration into host societies. One issue arising concerns the ways the modified religious landscape is socially constructed and accepted. How do diverse social formations contribute to the integration of migrating religions and their communities and how do the conflicts change the relationship to established religions and society in general?
How does the potential of religious beliefs counter or contribute to economic, political, and social polarization play out? How might sociological research illuminate the contributions of conflictual and peaceful aspects of religions to geopolitical crises? How do political conflicts, social polarizations, and religious responses change existing religion, politics, and state relations and their interpretations? How do they change the public perception of religion, religious identity, and individual religiosity?
We hereby invite ISSR members in good standing and COST Action COREnet members to submit their session and paper proposals following but not limited to the raised questions and join us for lively days of academic discussions in Kaunas, Lithuania.
Conference timeline:
The conference is co-organized by the International Society for the Sociology of Religion, COST Action 20107 “Connecting Theory and Practical Issues of Migration and Religious Diversity” (COREnet) and V. Kavolis Transdisciplinary Research Institute, Vytautas Magnus University.
About COST
This activity is based upon work from the COST Action “Connecting Theory and Practical Issues of Migration and Religious Diversity” (COREnet) CA20107, which is supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).
COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career, and innovation.
About Vytautas Magnus University V. Kavolis Transdisciplinary Research Institute
The event is a part of the project “Strengthening the R&D activities of the Vytautas Kavolis Transdisciplinary Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities (SOCMTEP).” The project is funded by the Research Council of Lithuania and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, Contract No S-A-UEI-23-13 (2023-12-27).
Religion, Migration, and Conflicts in Polarized Societies
We live in a globalized world shaped by migration, geopolitical crises, and social polarization. Religion is closely entangled with these changes. Linking up with the theoretical debates in the sociology of religion about the role of religion in public life, we invite scholars to reconsider how religion, in terms of religious practices, discourses, imaginaries, organizations, and individuals, is involved in the context of a currently polarized society. The role of religion in social and political conflicts within polarized society, as well as religious contributions to their mitigation and overcoming, is a timely and relevant scientific and social question. When moving to new places to escape violent conflicts, entire religious communities struggle with integration into host societies. One issue arising concerns the ways the modified religious landscape is socially constructed and accepted. How do diverse social formations contribute to the integration of migrating religions and their communities and how do the conflicts change the relationship to established religions and society in general?
How does the potential of religious beliefs to counter or contribute to economic, political, and social polarization play out? How might sociological research illuminate the contributions of conflictual and peaceful aspects of religions to geopolitical crises? How do political conflicts, social polarizations, and religious responses change existing religion, politics, and state relations and their interpretations? How do they change the public perception of religion, religious identity, and individual religiosity?
Registration
A registration desk will be provided at Building A (V. Putvinskio g. 23) during the conference days.
The registration desk’s opening hours:
Tuesday, July 1, 9:30 – 11:00
Plenary session (FR)
Sociology of religion and conflict: a roadmap for times of crisis
Wednesday, July 2, 9:30 – 11:00
Plenary session (EN)
Religion and political polarization in Europe: actors, claims, venues
Thursday, July 3, 15:00 – 16:30
Plenary session (EN)
From Diversification to re-homogenization of religious diversity?
Papers:
1. Changing Religiosity In The Baltic Region
Rūta Žiliukaitė
According to the European Values Study and other quantitative longitudinal international surveys, the countries of the Baltic region (Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) show a wide variation in the level of institutional religiosity at individual level, ranging from Poland, where institutional religiosity is one of the highest in Europe, to Estonia, where institutional religiosity of the population is among the lowest in Europe. These countries have undergone significant changes over the last 30 years, which have been analyzed, at least by groups of European values scholars, primarily through the theories of multiple modernities and secularization, concluding that these countries are experiencing ongoing secularization processes.
On the other hand, there is a growing number of publications that explore non-institutional forms of religiosity and spirituality that are scarcely and barely captured in survey-based research. The findings of these studies suggest that what we observe in the Baltic States is not secularisation but changing religiosity and growing religious diversity. In this discussion, we invite you to discuss how we should evaluate the religious changes taking place in the Baltic States: is it secularization, is it secularization or is it changing forms of religiosity?
Dr. Rūta Žiliukaitė was the long-standing national program director of Lithuania in the European Values Study. She has been analyzing religious changes in Lithuania, applying a comparative perspective for over twenty years, and has published more than ten articles on the religious values of the Lithuanian population. Rūta Žiliukaitė was the editor and co-author of three collective monographs: ‘Undiscovered Power: Map of the Civil Society in Lithuania’ (2006), ‘Religious Identity and Social-Political Values of Lithuanian Population: Intergenerational Shift’ (2007), ‘The Change of the Values of Lithuanian Society During the Twenty Years of Independence‘ (2016). Now, she is working on a new book that also encompasses an analysis of religious values.
2. Religion in the Public Life of Lithuania: the Return and its Features
Milda Ališauskienė
The return of religion in the public life of contemporary society is not a new theme within the sociology of religion; it has challenged the sociological mind over the last thirty years. For some scholars, the return of religion to the public sphere was evidence of a triumphant desecularization process (Berger), its persistence (Taylor), and/or deprivatization (Casanova). For others, this return challenged the secularism of the public sphere (Asad) and created a space for debating a “post-secular” society where religious and secular coexist (Habermas). This paper examines the return of religion in Lithuania’s public life since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the declaration of independence. It provides an overview of the role religion played in Lithuanian society during the Soviet period, as well as the legacy and current role in contemporary Lithuania. Based on existing historical, statistical, and sociological data, the paper will address the following questions: which religion and how it has returned to the public life of Lithuania, and what are the features of this social process?
Dr. Milda Ališauskienė is a Professor of Sociology at Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania. Her research areas include religious diversity, gender and religion, religion and politics in the post-communist society, non-belief, and the nones. She has published over 40 scientific publications and contributed to collective monographs on secularization, social exclusion, and religious diversity in Lithuania. In 2023, she published the monograph “Minority Religions, Society and State in Contemporary Lithuania” (in Lithuanian). In 2021-2023, she led the international Baltic research program project „Religion and Gender Equality: Baltic and Nordic Developments.“ Since 2021, she has been the chair of the COST Action 20107, “Connecting Theory and Practical Issues of Migration and Religious Diversity.” Since 2015, she has served on the executive board of the International Association for the History of Religions. Since 2022, she has served as Vice President of the International Study of Religions in Eastern and Central Europe Association (ISORECEA).
Discussants:
Dorota Hall – cultural anthropologist and sociologist, Associate Professor at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Polish Academy of Sciences. From 2018 to 2022, she served as President of the International Study of Religion in Eastern and Central Europe Association (ISORECEA). She has published extensively on Christianity and non-normative sexualities and co-authored a book on the use of media by Christian minority churches, Minority Churches as Media Settlers: Negotiating Deep Mediatization (Routledge 2024, with Marta Kołodziejska and Kerstin Radde-Antweiler). Her recent research interests are in religion and marginalization in the context of epistemic injustice and structural ignorance.
Atko Remmel is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Tartu. His research interests are divided between social and intellectual history, and contemporary sociology of religion. He has published on antireligious policy and atheist propaganda in the Soviet Union, (non)religion and nationalism, secularization and religious change, historical and contemporary forms of (non)religion and spirituality, including nature-focused existential cultures. He has carried out fieldwork among the nonreligious population in Estonia and on Estonians’ relationship with nature.
Moderator: Titus Hjelm
Titus Hjelm is Professor in the Study of Religion at the University of Helsinki. He specialises in religion and politics, secularisation, and social theory. He is currently Vice-President of ISA RC 22 Sociology of Religion and the past President of the Finnish Society for the Study of Religion. He is Editor-in-Chief of Sociology of Religion (published by OUP).
(**) Non-members assisting without presenting a paper.
Introduction
Located in the confluence of Nemunas and Neris rivers, Kaunas is one of the most significant cities of Lithuania. It could be described as a city that never accepted its role as the second city in the country. It is not only a city of old traditions, but also a large centre of business and industry. With almost three hundred thousand inhabitants it can also lay claim to be a city of young people with over 40,000 students (the largest number in Lithuania) studying at one of the seven universities here.
For more information, please visit https://www.visit.kaunas.lt/en/
If you’ve ever wondered where you’ve heard of or learned about Kaunas, we are sure that this city, where tech innovation, culture, and a self-made spirit converge, is not to be missed. Want to hear more? Though we are sometimes modest, we can talk about Kaunas endlessly. But don’t be concerned, we also like to be specific. So, let’s explore the 4th largest city of the Baltics, where so much awaits!
Kaunas, balancing a contemporary European point of view and authentic Baltic values, is strategically the most convenient meeting point in Lithuania. It’s also an important crossroad between the Baltic countries, Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe for both travelling by land and air. The network of hotels and public spaces in Kaunas is more than ready to satisfy diverse needs starting from tête-à-tête negotiations and small seminars all the way to major conferences and city-wide events.
Have you ever heard about quality, relaxed life in the city? Yes, we live it, here in Kaunas. We’re sure you’re aware, but we’d like to remind you that we were the European Capital of Culture in 2022 (and yes, we’re immensely proud of it). If you check the Kaunastic dictionary, you will find the following explanation for the word “modernism”: modernism (noun) – the architecture of Kaunas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the way people feel and live here. Don’t believe it? See for yourself!
Are you a fan of modernist architecture? Nature lover? Run a street art-focused Instagram account? We can ensure that there are not dozens, but hundreds, maybe even thousands of places, objects, things, and phenomena worth discovering in Kaunas. In the warm season and early autumn, the city is dancing, singing, swimming, playing sports, and watching cinema – all in the open air. In autumn and winter, we invite you to go beyond photo walks through the historic streets of Kaunas and plan cosy afternoons in the modernist buildings, cafes, restaurants, museums, concerts, galleries… We’re sure you don’t want to miss it!
Source of information: www.visit.kaunas.lt
Kaunas is a hospitable city much liked by tourists. Please, however, keep to the same safety rules as you do at home and leave no valuable possessions without supervision. If you have an emergency and need to call the police, the ambulance or firefighters, please call the emergency phone number 112.
Kaunas City Police Headquarters
Vytauto pr. 91, Kaunas, Tel. +370 37 223 726
24/7 Pharmacies
BENU pharmacy
Savanorių pr. 66 / Žemaičių g. 31, Kaunas, Tel. +370 37 205 796
Lithuania is a country with some of the fastest internet in the world! There are many Free Web areas around the city, so upon arrival to our country, you do not need to sit with your computer in hotels and conference halls.
Free Wi-Fi spots in Kaunas:
What distinguishes Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) is its visionary approach towards organising studies, scientific research and academic community life. Scholars from Lithuania and abroad who participated in the reestablishment of VMU in 1989 have also defined our principles, which we have been following ever since: a commitment to foster a liberal and democratic learning environment, emphasising the importance of aesthetics, honesty, tolerance and independent thought. We promote these ideals while nurturing creativity, academic progress and cultural identity within our community.
VMU is a comprehensive university devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, research, arts and innovation, and fostering critical thinking, imaginative response as well as the desire and capacity for lifelong learning of our students who will have an impact on the world, locally and globally.
Main locations and venues for conference:
Vytautas Magnus University, V. Putvinskio str. 23, LT-44243, Kaunas, Lithuania
Vytautas Magnus University Great Hall – S. Daukanto str. 28, LT-44248, Kaunas, Lithuania
Lithuania has a good transportation system, which allows traveling around the country by trains or buses. Cities in Lithuania are moving forward with the future to build a nature-friendly environment and have various alternative ways to reach specific destinations for a very low amount of money. Below you will find all the mobility possibilities in Kaunas, pricing, and other relevant information to make your journey more convenient.
Vilnius airport is just a bit more than 6 kilometers away from Vilnius city centre or Vilnius Old Town. You can reach the city using both public transport or taxi as well as the world-wide popular Uber or Bolt. You can find the public transport schedules at the exit of the airport (you will see blue screens with train and bus schedules).
Here are different ways to go from Vilnius airport to city centre:
After reaching the Vilnius station, there are two options to reach Kaunas city, either by bus or train. Bus and train stations are near each other, so you can choose whichever is more convenient for you.
Please use this website for more detailed information on the traveling ways.
Option 1 – Take a public bus No. 29G (destination: Geležinkelio stotis) to reach Kaunas city center.
You can find the bus routes, timetables here.
We advice you to download and use the mobile app “ziogas” for purchasing tickets for the public transport in Kaunas.
Option 2 – To reach Kaunas centre you can use Bolt app service (taxi), regular taxi or CityBee car sharing service, which are all available at the Kaunas Airport.
Option 3 – Here you can find information about the car rental service in Kaunas Airport: https://www.kaunas-airport.lt/en/before-the-flight/car-rental
Scooters – Currently, the most popular way in Lithuania to reach any destination at low cost. It is very convenient because, after the ride, you can leave it almost anywhere in the city center. To start a ride, you only need to download the Bolt app, which will be very useful to take a taxi or take a ride with a scooter. Pricing of service variates between 0.50- 1.00 Eur / h.
Taxi – Taxi prices are different, depending on the time and place at which the taxi is ordered. The average price for one kilometre by taxi is 0.70 Eur. We recommend using the Bolt app if possible, so that you would be able to see a precise price of your upcoming trip.
(Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), V. Putvinskio str. 23 and S. Daukanto str. 28, Kaunas, Lithuania)
Perfectly situated in the heart of the city, Radisson Hotel Kaunas delights guests with its central location and newly renovated rooms for the perfect balance of business and pleasure. The hotel is the largest in Kaunas and features 206 Scandinavian-style rooms, as well as an on-site casino, restaurant, fitness center, spa, and sauna.
During your stay at Radisson Hotel Kaunas, you will be close to the city’s main shopping areas and popular attractions like Žalgiris Arena. After a day of exploring Kaunas’ stunning architecture and museums, relax and unwind at our on-site SPA, or head to Two Senses Restaurant & Bar to enjoy a seasonal á la carte dining experience.
Situated in the very heart of the city, this 4–star hotel combines grace and inner elegance with a modern and functional facade. You will find this hotel next to the main pedestrian street of Laisves Avenue and not far from the historic quarter. Due to its central location, the hotel is just a short distance from the main historic buildings and areas of cultural interest, including the only Devil Museum in Europe. After a day spent sightseeing, guests can enjoy a coffee or light bite at one of the many famous restaurants and cafes on the vibrant Laisves Avenue.
Hof Hotel is in Kaunas city center, next to the most famous walking street Laisves Avenue. An extraordinary location provides our guests with enjoying not only Kaunas cultural or architectural life, but also a cozy and calm environment.
Our rooms are specially designed for your comfort, including workspace for your maximum productivity. Free Wi–Fi is provided throughout the property and free private parking is available on site. All rooms feature a flat–screen TV with satellite channels. Certain rooms have a seating area to relax in after a busy day. All rooms have a private bathroom with bath robes and free toiletries. You will find a 24–hour front desk at the property.
Located in the centre of Kaunas, this 4-star hotel is located directly on Laisvės Avenue. Located near the main cultural, commercial and financial facilities, and to the old town just a few minutes. The rooms of the Hotel Kaunas are spacious and feature a classic interior design. All have a work desk, satellite TV, minibar and refrigerator. Most have a balcony.
Located in the heart of Kaunas, within a few steps from numerous cultural, historical, artistic sites, shopping, entertainment venues and plenty of nightlife and dining options. Moxy is truly an energetic alternative to the typical hotel experience, proving that affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing style and comfort. Recharge in vibrant boutique accommodations, thoughtfully appointed with premium comforts, bright décor, spacious walk-in showers, furiously-fast, free Wi-Fi.
The historically famous hotel is ideally situated for tourists and business travellers, who want to visit a beautiful Kaunas city.
Cosy, filled with historic charm, all hotel rooms are equipped with bathrooms, digital TV and free Wi–Fi for the comfort of the guests.
Kaunas City hotel is in the heart of Kaunas on the longest pedestrian street in Eastern Europe – Laisvės Avenue. A walk through the most popular city part will allow you to see the crowds of locals and elements of modernist inter-war architecture. The old town, museums, art galleries, and the city’s main points of interest are all within 10-15 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Kaunas City is a 3–star hotel that offers spacious, air – conditioned rooms with a flat–screen cable TV and free Wi–Fi. The Kaunas City is situated in a historic building with a glass superstructure. Its rooms have a modern interior design. All have wooden furniture, which includes a nightstand and a work desk.
This dormitory offers four double rooms, and the price for one night is EUR 12/per person.
This is a cosy backpacker oasis in the heart of town, where all guests are treated as friends. Rated a #1 hostel in Lithuania! Superfast Wi-Fi, big TV with NETFLIX, already made beds, premium tea and coffee, loads of spices, book exchange, guitar, map of Kaunas and personal recommendations upon arrival.
Located near the City Hall, the VILLA KAUNENSIS guesthouse welcomes all those who wish to stay in a historical building from the interwar period. It housed the Kaunas Theological Seminary rectorate and the Museum of Ecclesiastical Art. The nearby Holy Trinity Church gives this space a unique atmosphere. There are many places of interest and famous historical objects in Kaunas’s Old Town, allowing you to admire the valuable cultural heritage.
In the heart of the city of Kaunas, a tailored student community was created, offering 267 rooms for students worldwide. This is a place where everyone can enjoy a comfortable environment for living, studying, practicing, and working.
Lux is a small, family-run hostel in the centre of Kaunas, on the popular Laisvės Avenue, full of cafés, shops, bars and restaurants. The Old Town is within easy walking distance. “The Lux’s high-ceilinged rooms with large windows have tables, chairs, and free Wi-Fi. Guests in two rooms share a bathroom.
As there are plenty of interesting places to see and things to do in Kaunas, we highly recommend you visit the most important sights:
Kaunas Castle
The castle at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers was built in the 14th century to defend against the onslaught of crusaders. This is not only one of the first stone castles in Lithuania, but also the only one that has two rows of defensive walls.
Kaunas Old Town
Kaunas Old Town is a protected heritage area offering numerous exciting pieces of art – both murals and sculptural objects.
The M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art
Established in 1921, the M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art has turned into one of the oldest and largest art museums in Lithuania. It is the only place in the world with the creative legacy of the most famous Lithuanian artist, composer, and public figure M. K. Čiurlionis (1875-1911). The paintings and graphics of this brilliant Lithuanian artist are exhibited in the modern renovated premises since 2003. In the Music Hall of the museum, you can listen to his music.
Devils museum
It is the most unique and the only devils museum in the world. A famous Lithuanian painter, public figure and professor Antanas Žmuidzinavičius (1876–1966) started to assemble this collection which is widely known in the world now. The museum contains a collection of more than 3,000 devils: creations of fine and applied arts, souvenirs and masks not only from Lithuania but from around 70 countries.
Source of information: www.visit.kaunas.lt
Lithuania is an EU member country and Schengen Area member. Citizens of EU countries and 30 other states, including Australia, USA, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia etc., can stay in the Schengen Area for a period of 90 days without a special visa. More information
ISSR-COREnet conference local committee
