THE IMPORTANCE OF LEGAL CONVERGENCE IN THE ACTIONS OF THE STATE REGARDING RELATIONS WITH THE CHURCH: A COMPARATIVE APPROACH

This paper examines the influence of state authorities on the approval of church-state
relations. State power constantly intersects in various levels with church institutions due to
the specific nature of its activities. The church and the state cooperate in the development of
philosophical and social concepts, specific social programs, and in determining the progress
and direction of society. The article demonstrates that anthropocentric ideas of Christianity
are of great importance in ensuring the stability and effectiveness of state and church relations.
The social and political partnership of the authorities and the church is always built on the
reconciliation of mutual interests of the partner entities, and political relationships can take
many forms: dialogue, partnership, cooperation, indifference, rivalry, conflict, domination
and subordination. The historical forms of state-church relations are characterized through an
in-depth analysis of different countries, in particular Russia and Poland, and we outline
prospects for further development We argue that the Christian worldview is deeply rooted in
the Ukrainian mentality, socio-philosophical space, and state-building processes. An
existential interpretation of time is revealed as an important constant in the formation and
construction of anthropological and social space. It is especially important to take into account
the phenomenon of human rights and the education of citizens. We argue that a society with
an awareness of the primacy of an individual over society will reject and oppose totalitarian
ideologies. In order to ensure the partnership and stability of public authorities and the church,
representatives of the state must promote the implementation of Christian moral-ethical and
anthropological ideas and ideals into social practice. By being aware of their calling,
government officials can positively influence the development of legal relations in the church
dimension of being. Priority area should include the educational, legal, and religious
dimension of the existing Ukrainian state.

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