2017 Volume 14 Pages 21-36
This paper is devoted to the analysis of the place and role of religion in contemporary Ukraine, its influence on the political processes, and the transformation of religious life under the influence of political factors. The gradual increase of political and religious factors in modern human-caused society puts new tasks in the interpretation of these new occurrences and processes. Currently, religious influences on political life in Ukraine seem to be quite noticeable. Apparently, both religion (churches) and politics (state) are social institutions; determining further development of the Ukrainian society. Hence, their interactions are problematic and deserve more detailed research. This paper examines some aspects of problem of interaction between the state and the churches at the time of independent Ukraine. At first, the current situation of religious life in Ukraine is explained; mapping religion and politics is also considered. Next, the model of state-church relationship in Ukraine and state policy for religion is discussed. A brief observation of churches' involvement in political processes in Ukraine is done by looking through some bifurcation points of modern Ukrainian history including the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity.
