Observatório do Estado LaicoReport

Observatório do Estado Laico

Mission

To strengthen the secular natureof the Brazilian State and, indoing so, advance equality,diversity, and democracy.

Secularism ensures that the State neither privileges nor discriminates against individuals on the basis of their beliefs. It also requires that public policies be grounded in public reasons consistent with the rule of law, rather than in religious dogma. By ensuring the neutrality of public institutions toward different worldviews, secularism protects freedom of conscience and religion, equality among citizens, and the pluralism that sustains a democratic society.

Collage of diverse people, public buildings, and documents representing pluralism in the public sphere

Objectives

Scientific Research

To produce empirical and normative knowledge on secularism, religious freedom, and the relationship between the State and religion.The OEL seeks to develop interdisciplinary research that helps deepen our understanding of how religious freedom is protected, where tensions with other rights arise, and how public authorities engage with different groups and worldviews. This research will provide the evidence and arguments that inform and support the Observatory’s other areas of work.

Monitoring

To systematically monitor public authorities’ actions and policies in their relationships with religious organizations, practices, and interests.The OEL aims to identify and analyze laws, decrees, and other regulatory measures at different levels of government, looking for patterns of alignment, preferential treatment, or unequal treatment between the State and religious groups. In doing so, the Observatory seeks to bring potential violations of secularism to light and produce evidence on how these relationships are structured and how they evolve over time.

Advocacy

To contribute to the improvement of laws, public policies, and institutional decisions related to secularism and freedom of conscience and religion.Drawing on the evidence produced through its research and monitoring activities, the OEL seeks to identify problems and opportunities for intervention and bring evidence-based technical arguments into decision-making spaces through legal and institutional advocacy.

Our team

Founders

Raphael CorbiProfessor of Economics at FEA-USP and a visiting researcher at the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). He holds a PhD in Economics from London Business School. Co-founder of CERP, his research focuses on religion, behavior, and public policy.
Meliza FrancoLawyer. She holds a PhD in Public Law from the University of São Paulo (USP), a Master’s degree in Constitutionalism and Democracy, and a Law degree from the Southern Minas School of Law (FDSM).
Fábio MiessiHe holds a PhD in Economics from the London School of Economics. Co-founder of CERP, he conducts applied economics research on religion and public policy.
Founders

Raphael Corbi

Professor of Economics at FEA-USP and a visiting researcher at the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). He holds a PhD in Economics from London Business School. Co-founder of CERP, his research focuses on religion, behavior, and public policy.

Meliza Franco

Lawyer. She holds a PhD in Public Law from the University of São Paulo (USP), a Master’s degree in Constitutionalism and Democracy, and a Law degree from the Southern Minas School of Law (FDSM).

Fábio Miessi

He holds a PhD in Economics from the London School of Economics. Co-founder of CERP, he conducts applied economics research on religion and public policy.

Management

Meliza Franco

Executive Director

Amira Serhani — Director of Development and Partnerships

She works in institutional development, fundraising, and government and multilateral relations, with experience in project management and engagement with international partners and stakeholders. She currently serves as a Consultant in Government Relations & Multilateral Engagement at the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oxford and a master’s degree in International Studies and Diplomacy from SOAS University of London.

Advisory Council

Coming soon

Researchers

Meliza Franco

Researcher

Fábio Miessi

Researcher

Raphael Corbi

Researcher

Ideas in circulation

Opinion articles

View all articles →
Crowd at the March for Jesus in São PauloFolha de S.PauloHow migration fueled the evangelical boomRead article Religious service with worshippers and leaders gathered togetherAmerican Economic AssociationTax breaks and the composition of religious marketsRead article People raising their hands during a religious serviceEstadãoThe evangelical Brazil that challenges the leftRead article Worshippers raising their hands during a religious serviceFolha de S.PauloWhy evangelical growth has stalled—and is unlikely to returnRead article