One of the most enduring images of Europe, which we conjure up in our mind’s eye, is the picture of landscapes, rural and urban, in which more often than not, somewhere, appears a religious edifice, whether in the foreground or in the background. These church buildings, and other religious sites, both manufactured and natural, as well as the items associated with them—from sacred books through sacred vessels to sacred relics—are precious not only to human life and memory but also to the archeological, architectural, and artistic patrimony of our various peoples. But these buildings and objects have often been the subject of division, dispute, and discord. For both reasons, they are the focus of complex bodies of law—the laws of the State as well as the laws and other norms of the religious traditions to which these entities also belong. Because of the value which they place on religious freedom as a fundamental right, all States in Europe have norms on the acquisition, administration, and disposal of religious property. All States address ways in which to enable religious organisations to enjoy juridical personality so as to exercise rights of ownership and control over that property. And all religious communities have norms on the construction, maintenance, and protection of their religious sites and objects, many of which norms may or may not be mirrored in those of the State.