Secularization and Sacralization. New polarization of the Polish religious landscape in the context of globalization and European integration

Abstract

The fall of the Communist government gave rise not only to changes in the political, economic, and social realm, of Poland but also came to exert an impact on the country's religious character. Statistical data, especially that collected over the last five years, indicate changes in the religious character of Polish society. This is manifested in a decreasing number of individuals attending Sunday Mass and an increasing number of individuals receiving Holy Communion. Other developments noted in recent years include changes in the number of baptisms and seminarians studying to become priests. The opening of national borders and new limits on government control over Roman Catholic Church activity as well as the actions of other denominations created an atmosphere conducive to a reconnection with like-minded individuals abroad. International religious meetings became an option with foreign, religious denominations now faced with an opportunity to perform missionary work in Poland. Poland's decision to pursue membership in the European. Union (EU) stirred up a heated social debate. The Roman Catholic Church was in favor of joining the EU, however, some individuals in both institutional and lay circles had some reservations regarding that decision.