Eileen Barker

"The rule of law is believed by most people to be “a good thing”—but that is only the case if the laws are just and fair laws and if they are followed honestly by legislators and implementers of the law, rather than being perverted by perverse motives."

"Some of the new religions have undoubtedly performed some bad things at some times and some places. But the same could be said about the established, “legitimate” religions. Why, one may ask, cannot the bad actions, whatever they be, be dealt with by legislature applicable to all religions and their members—indeed, all citizens—once it is alleged they have broken a law?"

"Eileen Barker’s extraordinary work in religious studies and the defense of religious liberty has left an indelible mark on academia and society. Her significant role in fostering understanding, promoting religious freedom, and advocating for global tolerance cannot be overstated. Eileen Barker’s impact on religious studies is evident in her pioneering research on new religious movements. Through meticulous ethnographic research and the development of innovative methodologies, she has shed light on previously misunderstood or stigmatized religious groups. Her work has challenged stereotypes, aiding in the recognition of diverse faith traditions and fostering greater understanding and empathy among scholars and the general public alike."

"Eileen Barker, Professor Emerita of Sociology at the London School of Economics, and arguably the world’s most senior scholar of new religious movements, explained to the audience [at the conference session New Religious Movements and Contemporary Threats to Religious Freedom] that there is a difference between the role of a sociologist of religion and the role of an advocate. To stress that you look at a religion with the neutral gaze of the social scientist is “the best way you can be an advocate,” Barker said. This does not mean, she added, that sociologists cannot have strong feelings for religious liberty, and they can help protecting it by debunking misinformation about religious minorities."