THE INTERCULTURAL ASPECT OF STATE-CHURCH RELATIONS IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY

Keywords: state-church relations, cooperative model, intercultural dialogue, religious organisations.

Abstract

This article presents an interdisciplinary study of the intercultural aspect of state- church relations in the Federal Republic of Germany, which is regarded as one of the most consistent yet flexible models of cooperation between the state and religious institutions in contemporary Europe. The German ‘cooperative model’ combines the principle of the secular nature of the state with the legal and institutional recognition of churches as socially significant partners, enabling them to participate in addressing social, cultural and educational challenges. The focus is on the intercultural dimension of interaction between the state and religious organisations, which manifests itself in legal, social, cultural and educational spheres. The study draws on a range of methodological approaches – comparative political sci- ence, historical-genetic, institutional, discursive and case-study – which has enabled an analysis of both the evolution of the legal status of churches in Germany and their current social role. The main challenges of the current phase have been identified: secularisation and the erosion of traditional religiosity, the growth of cultural and confessional pluralism, the emergence of new religious communities demanding institutional recognition, the risks of radicalisation among certain migrant groups, and legal asymmetries that complicate the integration of non-traditional denominations. The practical significance of this study lies in the potential for applying the German experience to multi-confessional Ukraine. Adapting certain elements of the cooperative model could form the basis for improving the Ukrainian system of state-church relations, particularly in the areas of legal regulation, social partnership and education. Thus, the German experience demonstrates how an institutionalised partnership between state and church can serve as a resource for democratic development, social stability and the consolidation of a multi-confessional society.

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Published
2026-05-29
How to Cite
Palinchak, M. M., & Yurosh, V. V. (2026). THE INTERCULTURAL ASPECT OF STATE-CHURCH RELATIONS IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY. International and Political Studies, (41), 211-225. https://doi.org/10.32782/2707-5206.2026.41.18
Section
THEORY AND HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT AND PROBLEMS OF POLITICAL DISCOURSE