The Methodist Church in Poland : Activity and Political Conditions, 1945–1989

"This book explores the development and activity of the Methodist Church in Poland, focusing on the political conditions under which it functioned after 1945. In particular it considers the role of party and state power, and the nature and impact of religious policy towards the Church. The chapters touch on organizational issues, missionary activity, and key figures in the recent history of the Church. Drawing on more than twenty years of research on Polish methodism and the increasing availability of archival material, this volume will be of interest to scholars of religion, politics, and history"-- Provided by publisher Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1 The theory of religious policy Chapter 2 The ideological basis of religious policy in communist-type regimes Chapter 3 The origin and essence of Methodism Chapter 4 Methodists in Poland until 1945 Chapter 5 The organization and ownership of the Methodist Church, 1945–1989 Chapter 6 The most important figures of the Methodist Church, 1945–1989 Chapter 7 Agents of religious policy towards the Methodist Church Chapter 8 The legal status of the Methodist Church in 1945 Chapter 9 The Methodist mission in Masuria Chapter 10 From the world to local politics: Operation “Moda” Chapter 11 “Conservatives” and “democrats”: Factional fights within Methodism Chapter 12 “The Masurian Case”: Second stage Chapter 13 From liquidation to rationing policy: Operation “Methodius” (Metody) Chapter 14 The religious policy of the Polish state towards religious minorities, 1945–1989 Conclusions Annex Index of names Geographic index This book explores the development and activity of the Methodist Church in Poland, focusing on the political conditions under which it functioned after 1945. In particular it considers the role of party and state power, and the nature and impact of religious policy towards the Church. The chapters touch on organizational issues, missionary activity, and key figures in the recent history of the Church. Drawing on more than 20 years of research on Polish Methodism and the increasing availability of archival material, this volume will be of interest to scholars of religion, politics and history.