Winiarczyk-Kossakowska Małgorzata, Constitutional basis for relations between the state and churches and other religious organizations

Issues related to legal situation of churches and religious organizations have always taken a prominent place in Polish constitutional regulations. After the World War II, the legal basis for regulation of religious matters was provided by the Constitutional Act of 19 February 1947 on structure and scope of activity of the highest authorities of the Republic of Poland (the so-called „small Constitution”). On this ground was passed the Law of 4 July 1947 authorizing the Government to issue decrees with the force of law. The decrees regulated, among other problems, the most pressing issues in the field of religious relations.

In April of 1950, the Law on amending the organization of the government of the state in the field of municipal management and public administration was adopted. Based on this act, the Council of Ministers adopted the resolution of 26 May 1950 on provisional statute of the Office for Religious Affairs. According to its letter, the Office was headed by a Director...