Nowe realia, stare metody Recenzja publikacji: Rafał Łatka, Episkopat Polski wobec stosunków państwo–Kościół i rzeczywistości społeczno-politycznej PRL 1970–1989

Abstract

Rafał Łatka’s monograph is an analysis of relations between the state and the Church (1970–1989) from the perspective of the Episcopate. The author made a multifaceted analysis regarding not only the mechanisms of functioning of the Episcopate of Poland, the attitude to the process of normalization of relations between the state and the Church, but also referred to the most important socio-political problems in the discussed period (e.g., strikes in 1970; 1976; the birth of “Solidarity”; the attitude towards the democratic opposition, martial law, political transformation of 1988–1989). The role and position of the Episcopate in the years 1970–1989 was strong (and even increased during the “Solidarity” festival), despite the amplitude of changes in relations with the state (the communist regime of Edward Gierek and General Wojciech Jaruzelski). The Church systematically and consistently went beyond the scope of its pastoral ministry, tried to remain present in the political space, strove for the implementation of the most important demands arising from social teaching, demanded “the recovery of civil rights”, and made efforts to expand the area of freedom. The line of Primate Stefan Wyszyński, who enjoyed great authority and had charisma, was continued by his successor — Primate Józef Glemp, although different realities (after 1980) required corrections. After 1981, the Church (or rather the new Primate) tried to maintain an “equal distance” between the communist authorities and the opposition (an attempt to reach a settlement — a social agreement between three entities: State/Party — “Solidarity” — the Church). In 1988–1989, the Episcopate joined the process of political transformation (“regulated revolution”), becoming one of the architects of the “round table” agreement.