Religion, Confessional Communities, and State–Church Relations in the Republic of Moldova
Religion, Confessional Communities, and State–Church Relations in the Republic of Moldova

Summary/Abstract: Religion occupies a central position in the social, cultural, and political life of the Republic of Moldova, a post-Soviet state marked by high levels of religiosity, contested national identity, and persistent geopolitical polarization. This article examines the role of religion in Moldovan society by analysing the configuration of confessional communities and the evolving relationship between religious institutions and the state. It argues that while Moldova formally adheres to principles of religious freedom and state neutrality, informal practices and symbolic hierarchies continue to privilege dominant religious actors, particularly Orthodox institutions. Drawing on contemporary debates in the sociology of religion and political science, the article explores how religion functions simultaneously as a source of social cohesion, a marker of identity, and a tool of political mobilisation. The analysis highlights the tension between democratic norms of equality and pluralism on the one hand, and the instrumentalisation of religion in identity politics and geopolitical narratives on the other. By situating the Moldovan case within broader post-Soviet and Eastern European contexts, the article contributes to ongoing discussions on religion, governance, and democratic resilience in transitional societies.

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