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.

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Page 41 misnumbered as page 42.