Instituto de Estudos da Religião (1970- )

ISER – Institute for Studies of Religion – is a Brazilian civil society organisation of a secular nature, whose objective is to promote studies, research and social intervention. With its starting point of valorisation of religious diversity, its thematic axes include the defence and guarantee of rights, public security and environmental justice. Founded in 1970 in the city of Campinas (SP), ISER moved to Rio de Janeiro in 1979, where it maintains its headquarters to this day. Through its publications, video productions, organisation of events and seminars, ISER has contributed to the qualification of the public debate and to the development of governmental policies. Since its early years, the series Cadernos do ISER has disseminated research results and promoted debates on theoretical approaches at the interface between religious issues and the social sciences. The journal Comunicações do ISER, published since 1981, encourages the constant exchange of projects, essays and research carried out by ISER scholars and associated researchers. Highlights include the scientific journal Religião e Sociedade, launched in 1977, which has become an important academic reference for researchers and scholars of religion and the social sciences in Brazil and Latin America.

Keywords: Applied anthropology | Brazil | South America | Religion | Social theory | Minorities