Religion, Civil Society, and Charitable Activity in Slovenia

Abstract

Slovenia is a rather small country in Central Europe, where three major ethnic groups of the European nations come together: Germanic, Romance, and Slavic. The chapter first focuses on the state and dynamics of faith membership in Slovenia. We point out some aspects of the relationship between State, Church, and society, especially regarding welfare state and civil society. Charity activity is closely linked to voluntary work, so we show the historical development of civil society or voluntary associations in Slovenia. We pay attention to the Christian-related civil associations, especially those that are active in charitable activities, and their contribution to the common good of Slovenian society. In the central charitable organization of Christianity in Slovenia, Caritas Slovenia, two aspects seem particularly striking: scope of work and creativity in finding ways to help the poor, the addicted, and other people in need.