Religion and Politics in Central and Southeast Europe since 1989: The Catholic and Orthodox Churches in Times of Change

Since the collapse of the communist systems in 1989-1990 the conditions in which religious organizations in central and southeast Europe have been operating have profoundly changed.
 
The limits imposed on churches’ operations have disappeared and various missionary orders from abroad but especially from the United States, have settled in the ex-communist countries in hopes of obtaining new converts. In many countries the predominant churches have taken advantage of new legislation which is more favorable to their view of society.
 
An example is Poland, where the Catholic church obtained approval of a drastic anti-abortion law and a committee was founded to protect Christian values in radio and television. Sabrina P. Ramet, expert observer of changes in central and southeast Europe, analyzes the Catholic and Orthodox churches’ most recent experience and activities and the appearance in this region of new neo-Protestant missionary orders.