Ewolucja postrzegania autorytetu społecznego Kościoła katolickiego w Polsce w pierwszych dekadach XXI wieku
The evolution of the perception of the social authority of the Catholic Church in Poland in the early decades of the 21st century

Summary/Abstract: The Catholic Church has had and continues to maintain a unique role in the public life in Poland, with emphasis being placed on its social authority. However, substantial signs of a decline in religiosity in Europe are visible over the period analysed, as is the linked process of decreasing participation in religious practices. The main aim of the study is to describe and explain the evolution of perceptions of the Catholic Church’s authority in Poland across institutional, doctrinal and personal dimensions. By highlighting these changes, answers are sought to further important questions, concerning the changing level of trust in the institutional Church, the evolution of religiosity of the Polish society in terms of people’s declaration of faith, religious practices and declarations of adherence to Catholic morality, and the scope of the Catholic Church’s authority as it is perceived in Poland. The answers to these questions are the basis for formulating conclusions about the elements of continuity and change in the perception of the authority of the Catholic Church in Polish society. The author puts forward the thesis that confidence in the institutional Church is dwindling, and there is a gradual decline in the number of those who declare faith, while the process of abandoning religious practices is rising. In each case, the most substantial shifts are observed in the attitudes of young people. According to a prevailing opinion, if the Church is to reclaim its high degree of social authority, it should avoid political engagement, honestly explain the moral scandals disclosed and, most importantly, adhere to the principles it professes. The basic research method was the analysis of existing (created) data.

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