Religious statistics in Poland. Legal status, problems, challenges

Abstract

ABSTRACT Statistical research on religious denominations in Poland is limited, on the one hand, by regulations resulting from the implementation of religious rights and freedoms, and on the other hand, by the methodology adopted and used for years, which does not guarantee obtaining reliable data. In the event of a positive decision on registration, the state’s control over a given church or religious association ends. The knowledge gaps are therefore enormous. For example, we do not know the real number of legally operating churches and religious associations in Poland or the number of followers of many of them. This article contains an analysis of the currently adopted legal solutions, methods of conducting statistical research and the most important methodological problems. In conclusion, the author offers solutions aimed at improving religious statistics in Poland. The primary goal is to develop a new research approach that takes into account past gaps and errors.