Parish clergy on integration with the European Union

Summary:

The paper deals with the attitudes of the Polish Catholic Church towards the integration of Poland with the European Union. The Church has always participated in historic events taking place in Poland and played a significant role in democratic transformations, while in the process transforming itself as well. The episcopate has always made its position known at moments important to the country, whereas parish clergy, jointly with other members of local elites, has been behind influencing the opinions of many people. This is why it is so important to find out what clergy thinks about integration with the European Union and its anticipated consequences for Poland, the Church and the society. On the eve of the accession referendum, the attitude of parish priests and vicars with respect to the referendum campaign and to the participation of Church representatives therein constitutes key information. Equally important is to become acquainted with the clergy's views on changes that are and will continue to take place inside the Polish Church and opinions on challenges awaiting it. It is also interesting to learn the manner in which the clergy perceives religious and moral attitudes of the Polish society as well as new forms of religiosity. The survey shows that, in the opinion of Polish clerics, the European Union has been and remains a predominantly economic community. At the same time, a significantly higher proportion of surveyed clerics than a few years ago believe that the economic benefits of integration are reserved mainly for the richest EU members. Economic aspects of the functioning of the European Union aroused more apprehension among the surveyed clergy than issues associated with maintaining a cultural diversity. In their opinion, the European Union should be more of a community of values. They are overwhelmingly in support of the inclusion of references to religion in the future European constitution.