Methodism in the People’s Republic of Poland – the perspective of the Evangelical-Methodist Church
Abstract
This study discusses the relationship between the Methodist Church and the authorities of the People's Republic of Poland from the perspective of Polish Methodists. It analyses a number of issues presented in the literature of the subject related to the religious policy of the People's Republic of Poland based on reminiscences and testimonies obtained from individuals who actively worked for the Methodist Church and knew clergymen who held the highest church positions in the period of the People's Republic of Poland. These reminiscences shed new light on some events related to the Church, at the same time illustrating the attitude of Polish Methodists to them. Not all of the topics discussed are critical to the workings of the Methodist Church in the realities of the People's Republic of Poland, however they provide a more in-depth characterisation of the position of this Church and the stance of its representatives. The article fills a gap in the literature of the subject and is a contribution that can be built upon in further research. It should be noted that the present findings deserve further scientific study.
Keywords:
Methodist Church, Methodism in Poland, religious associations, Office for Religious Affairs, minority churchesReferences
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