Abstract
The present paper explores the relation between churches and sports in the time period 1918-1948 in Slovakia. Mutual relations between the Lutheran Church and YMCA constitute a part of his research. The YMCA was an organisation established on Christian principles. At odds with the Catholic Church, the YMCA was fully accepted by the Lutheran Church; it was inspired by the means and methods of the YMCA, it used its buildings as well as personal resources. Lutherans advised their young people to take part in activities organised by the YMCA. The Association of Lutheran Youth (Zväz evanjelickej mládeže - SEM) actually became an independent member of the YMCA. The partnership between the Lutheran Church and the YMCA led to sports expansion in Slovakia.