벨라루스 종교구성의 특징과 역사적 의미 연구 - 정교와 가톨릭을 중심으로

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between religion and politics with a focus on Orthodoxy and Catholicism in Belarus. Currently, various religions coexist in Belarus and officially there is no conflict between religions. Religious freedom is ensured by the constitution, and the people have a right not to be discriminated against based on their religion. However, in reality, it is an Orthodox church that takes the initiative in dealing with actual religious life in Belarus. The Catholic church has also exerted a strong influence compared to other Eastern Slavic countries. In Belarus, Orthodoxy and Catholicism can be understood as indicators of cultural identity as well as religious identity. Those who identify with the Eastern Slavic community call themselves Orthodox, whereas representatives of the national intelligentsia more often associate themselves with Catholicism. Historically, in the western part of the country where borders Poland and Lithuania, the Catholics have made up the majority of believers, whereas in the eastern part, the Orthodox Church have dominated people’s life since the era of Kievan Rus. In Belarus, the religion is closely related to the national and ethnic identity.BR After the collapse of Soviet Union, the state power has played an important role in the process of revival of religion in Belarus. The religious policy of the early government of Republic of Belarus was to ensure the equality before the law for religions and believers. This could be called the democratization of the state-religious relationship. However, the Orthodoxy and Catholicism have led the public opinions in the moment of national and political crisis, and as a result, it led to the politicization of religious groups and religious activists. Whereas the Orthodox church emphasizes the traditional values of the nation, the Catholic church tends to be more liberal to evaluate the social and political phenomenon. This difference between Orthodox and Catholic church can be found in the response to the result of the 2020 presidential election of Belarus.BR This paper examines the characteristics of religion of Belarus in the historical and political context. Supporting the political ideology of governing group, or representing the public opinion, the religions of Belarus have been competing to take dominant position in political and social territory. This situation became stronger after the 2020 presidential election.