A Christian identity for the liberal state?

It seems to be impossible for the liberal state to embrace a C hristian identity, because ‘liberalism’ is exactly a device for separating state and religion. Discussing the implications of a recent decision of the E uropean C ourt of H uman R ights, L autsi v. I taly (2011), I argue that this is not necessarily so. If paired with a liberal commitment to pluralism, a C hristian identity might even be more inclusive of minority religions than a narrowly ‘liberal’ state identity, which has been the dominant response in W estern E urope to the challenge of immigrant diversity, especially that of M uslim origins.