Církev a druhá republika - Příspěvky přednesené na vědeckém semináři dne 4. června 2024 / Praha, Arcibiskupství pražské – Pehr Michal (2025)

The period of the Second Republic begins on October 1, 1938, shortly after the acceptance of the Munich Agreement. Its internal political development was characterized by the suppression of activities and the gradual liquidation of constitutional and self-governing bodies, censorship of the press, and restrictions on the right to assemble. The Roman Catholic Church faced a challenging task of dealing with the pastoral and administrative aspects of the separation of those parts of the dioceses where the majority was of German nationality.

The Church was able to orient itself first in the difficult international and domestic situation. It is historically documented that when the Czech nation is in a complicated situation from which there seems to be no way out, it turns to basic Christian ideals. Based on and with the help of faith and the example of national saints, it can cope with any totalitarianism. Many clergy uncompromisingly defended Czech national interests at that time, not hesitating to expose themselves to Nazi persecution and to make the ultimate sacrifice on the altar of faith and homeland.

The collection of contributions presented at the scientific seminar 'The Church and the Second Republic' brings a wealth of information about the complex period of Czech history that has so far remained on the periphery of researchers' interest.