Alin Albu, “1 Decembrie 1918” University, Alba Iulia
State and Church in World War II. The political and ecclesiastical perspective on the national vocation of the Orthodox clergy
The dossier of the relationship between the State and the various denominations, or religions, has been an essential chapter of the „political catechism” of each modern State, unfortunately ignored by certain politicians, legal experts, historians, etc. Through their doctrine and moral principles, religious cults do contribute to the development of those powers of the soul capable of ensuring the moral health of any State. Christianity has had a great and positive influence on the assertion of humanistic views, the Church having always promoted human fraternity and equality of all, in the spirit of tolerance and respect toward the other.
The State-Church relationship is not a mere theoretical issue, but the result of a lengthy historical process. It did not arise out of some philosophical theories, but has emerged during the existence of peoples as a normal condition, determined by the instinct of a healthy development of nations. No country can afford to neglect the importance of religious denominations and the balance that religious life can generate in society. The culture, ethics, institutions, and mechanisms of contemporary society, the spirit of the administration and of politics are imbued with the values promoted by the world’s religions. The civilisation of a people is tributary to the religion/religions that the members of society adhere to, that is why the role of religions and the relation between States and denominations is to be analysed and clarified.
These are some of the ideas on which we are inviting you to reflect and to participate in our scientific debate, while focusing your studies and research on the following topics: State and Church in the Roman/Roman-Byzantine Empire; The State and the European Religions: from Charles the Great to the Maastricht Treaty; State and Church in the East: from the fall of Constantinople to the fall of communism etc.
