An Analysis of Church-State Relations in Poland: 1945-83
Abstract
In order to facilitate the analysis of both church and
government policies in Poland since 1945, the essay is divided.
chronologically into three chapters. The first begins with
the initial struggle for power by the communists and simultaneous
attempts by the Polish Church to reinstate its prewar
role as political partner. Three basic areas of conflict which
arise at this time between the church and state-- education,
internal autonomy and the Catholic press-- are outlined
in detail.
The second chapter begins in 1956 when Wladyslaw Gomulka
becomes the new Party leader and engages in personal conflict
with Wyszynski for the next fourteen years. Problems evolve
continuously from the three areas of conflict and reach a
climax in 1966 during the millennium celebrations of Poland's
statehood. It is completed with the rise
to power of Edward Gierek in 1970 and the advent of a new,
conciliatory policy adopted by the state.
Gierek's policy to "normalize" relations with the church
and the latter's reciprocal motion to bolster support for the
state's new economic program comprise most of the final
chapter of the essay. If you are not a current K College student, faculty, or staff member, email dspace@kzoo.edu to request access to this SIP. Page 41 misnumbered as page 42.