About us

The Center for Religion, Economics and Politics (CREP) was founded on 18 September 2008 by the Universities of Basel, Lausanne, Lucerne and Zurich, as well as the ETH (the so-called bearers). In 2016, the University of Fribourg joined the circle of CREP supporters.

The reason behind this foundation was the lasting relevance of religion(s), especially in the context of globalization. Religion continues to play an important public role in many countries. Moreover, religious agents are complexly linked to agents and institutions from politics and business. What are the opportunities, but also the risks here? With regard to the significance of religion for the control and shaping of contemporary societies, the CREP addresses the interactions and relationships between religion, business and politics.

Between 2010 and 2016, the CREP received substantial financial support from the Confederation. The CREP has no employees of its own. All those who work for the CREP are employed by one of the supporting organizations.