Which religious communities lived in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth?

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The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was a multifaith state that hosted a diverse array of religious communities throughout its existence. These included:1

  • Roman Catholics: The dominant religious group, whose influence grew significantly during the Catholic Counter-Reformation.12
  • Protestants: During the 16th century, Lutheranism and Calvinism spread widely among the nobility and in cities, supported by policies of religious toleration. This group also included the Polish Brethren, known for their pacifism and egalitarian views.2
  • Eastern Orthodox Christians: A significant population, particularly in the eastern territories. Following the Union of Brest-Litovsk in 1596, the Eastern rite (Uniate) church was created, which subordinated parts of the Orthodox community to the papacy, leading to internal divisions and driving the traditional Eastern Orthodox church underground for a period.13
  • Jews: A substantial community that enjoyed legal autonomy and self-administration through institutions like the Council of the Four Lands.1
  • Muslims: Small numbers of Tatars lived within the Commonwealth's boundaries.1