“Debating the truth, history of the church in the hand of the lay historian?”

published in Studia Universitatis Petru Maior, vol 6, 2006, pp. 233-242

“Writing Their History. Trends in the Romanian Orthodox Church Historiography on the History of the Greek Catholic Church After 1948”

published in Studia Universitatis Petru Maior, Vol 6, 2007, pp. 217-229

The Romanian Orthodox Church and Post-Communist Democratization

co-authored with Lucian Turcescu, published in Europe-Asia Studies, vol. 52, no. 8 (2000), pp. 1467-1488

The Romanian Orthodox Church and Post-Communist Democratization

co-authored with Lucian Turcescu, published in East European Perspectives, vol. 3, no. 4 (22 February 2001), and vol. 3, no. 5 (7 March 2001).

Educatia religioasa in Romania

in colaborare cu Lucian Turcescu, publicata in Altera (Tg. Mures: Liga Pro-Europa), vol. 13, no. 32 (2007), pp. 39-61.

Religion, Politics and Sexuality in Romania

co-authored with Lucian Turcescu, published in Europe-Asia Studies, vol. 57, no. 2 (March 2005), pp. 291-310.

Religious Education in Romania

co-authored with Lucian Turcescu, published in Communist and Post-Communist Studies, vol. 38, no. 3 (September 2005), pp. 381-401.

Even before Parliament could legislate the introduction of religion in the public schools at the pre-university level, the Romanian Orthodox Church managed to prepare the pedagogical materials, to find the instructors, and to negotiate with school principals the introduction of religion classes. An examination of Orthodox religion textbooks at the primary and secondary level shows that the subject is not always taught in an ecumenical spirit conducive of tolerance and respect for other religious denominations. Research was conducted with the generous support of the SSHRCC. Cited in Europe-Asia Studies and by Liga Pro-Europa.

The Devil’s Confessors: Priests, Communists, Spies and Informers

co-authored with Lucian Turcescu, published in East European Politics and Societies, vol. 19, no. 4 (November 2005), pp. 655-685.

In spite of its repeated denials, the Romanian Orthodox Church has collaborated closely with the communist authorities. So much so that individual priests and hierarchs acted as the eyes and ears of the notorious secret political police, the Securitate. The article examines the tainted past of Patriarch Teoctist Arapasu (who died in 2007 at the age of 92), and presents four different positions priests could take toward the communist regime. The article was among the 25th most read articles published in EEPS that month. Research was conducted with the generous support of the SSHRCC.

Pulpits, Ballots and Party Cards: Religion and Elections in Romania

co-authored with Lucian Turcescu, published in Religion, State and Society, vol. 33, no 4 (December 2005), pp. 347-366.

After 1989, the Romanian Orthodox Church has had a growing involvement in party and electoral politics. The article examines the was the church used elections and party politics to further its goals, and the way politicians and political formations used religious symbols and actors in order to gain additional electoral capital. Over the years, the Orthodox Church has oscillated between political neutrality and political involvement, with some priests joining political parties to secure positions in Parliament, government, and the public administration. Research was conducted with the generous support of the SSHRCC. Cited in Studia Politica and Europe-Asia Studies.