Restrictions on religious practices in selected European countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: A legal-sociological study from Poland’s experiences
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Keywords

Covid-19
coronavirus
pandemic restrictions
religious freedom
religious practices
sociology of law
sociology of religion

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present legal restrictions related to religious ceremonies during the Covid-19 pandemic, which are not currently in force in Poland but are being applied in selected European countries. The study examines the possible extent of their acceptance by believers in Poland, a country with persistently high levels of religious observance. It transpires that negative evaluations prevail in the case of the following restrictions: advanced registration for participation in religious services, the possibility of only vaccinated persons participating in services, and singing being prohibited. On the other hand, a more positive view was taken of designating specific places that can be occupied in the place of worship, and the requirement for all attendees to wear a mask (including priests and leaders of religious practices). The research revealed a general tendency for those who participate more frequently in religious practices to view restrictions more negatively.

https://doi.org/10.14746/sr.2023.7.1.02
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Funding

This work was supported by the Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań under Grant COV26.

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