Polish Episcopate Research Articles

Canonical Marriage According to Stefan Wyszyński Based on Publications in “Ład Boży”

This article is an analysis of sixteen texts written by Stefan Wyszyński, founder and first editor-in-chief of the weekly “Ład Boży”, which were published in the author’s series “Ład w myślach”. Wyszyński published in-depth and thoughtful studies on ecclesiastical marriage law in the weekly, under various pseudonyms. The reason for this was the promulgation of the Decree of 25 September 1945 Marriage Law, which implemented compulsory civil weddings for all Polish citizens and legally permitted divorce. Wyszyński, using the teaching of the Popes, in particular Pius XI, and the Polish Episcopate, warned the Christian faithful of the dangers of ideologies striking at the institution of marriage, defended it and showed the way forward.

Konkordatowo-ustawowa forma konsensualnej regulacji stosunków między Rzecząpospolitą Polską a Kościołem katolickim w świetle art. 25 ust. 4 Konstytucji z 1997 r.

The article discusses possible directions of interpretation of Article 25(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. It constitutes (together with Article 25(5)) the basis for the constitutional principle of consensual regulation of relations between the state and churches and other religious organizations. In the case of the Roman Catholic Church, the formal and legal expression of the implementation of this principle is the validity of the Concordat of 1993, i.e. an international agreement concluded with the Holy See defining relations between the Republic of Poland and the Roman Catholic Church. The provisions of the Concordat are supplemented by statutes that should be adopted following the conclusion of a treaty, or at least an agreement, with the Polish Episcopal Conference. In a similar way, the relations between the Republic of Poland and other Churches and religious organizations are determined by statutes.

Prohibition, Censorship, Denial: Polish Episcopate’s Narrative on (Homo)sexual Acts Between 1945 and 1989

Abstract One of the most important issues for the Polish Episcopate under communism was moral evaluation of sexual activities. Bishops suggested that, along with other immoral activities, homosexuality resulted from the popularization of Marxism and atheization of customs. This article presents a thematic analysis of the episcopal writings from 1945 to 1989, and their evaluation in light of Michel Foucault’s theory, in order to discuss Polish episcopal power in the context of its narrative on homosexuality. I present the doctrinal and historical context of the analyzed writings in a trichotomy: the Episcopate of Poland, the Apostolic See, and the authorities of the Polish People’s Republic. Moreover, I recognize that components of episcopal discourse suggest a multiplicity of power relations. In the selected period, these forces were the subjects of a game in which the church created strategies and chains of influence, and, as an agent of power, consolidated its position by demanding obedience. This image of the institutional church in Poland was established through a great central mechanism of denial that excluded any possibility of a positive moral evaluation of homosexual and other extramarital acts.

"Each bishop wears the violet of suffering on his face more than the violet of robes" – Review of the joint work "Prymas Stefan Wyszyński i Episkopat Polski", edited by R. Łatka and D. Zamiatała

This article serves as a review of the collective work edited by Rafał Łatka and Dominik Zamiatała, entitled “Prymas Stefan Wyszyński i Episkopat Polski” (“Primate Stefan Wyszyński and the Polish Episcopate”), published by the Warsaw Institute of National Remembrance in 2023 as part of the “Bishops in the Realities of the Communist state” series. The individual chapters of the work were discussed, presenting the most important themes covered in them, such as the complexities associated with the nomination of Cardinal Wyszyński as Primate of Poland, in accordance with the will of his predecessor—Cardinal August Hlond; the Primate’s concern about new bishop nominations; Cardinal Wyszyński’s skillful combination of the primate’s office with the function of the chairman of the episcopate; the Primate’s unifying openness to cooperation with individual bishops, especially with his own secretary, and then the Metropolitan of Poznań, Archbishop Antoni Baraniak, or the Metropolitan of Kraków, Karol Wojtyła; the Primate’s relations with hierarchs representing specific entities. Some shortcomings were also noted, such as the omission of Primate Wyszyński’s relations with two dioceses or the incomplete development of relations with the Kraków metropolis. Finally, reference was made to the critical edition of the last letter of Primate Wyszyński to John Paul II, included in the publication under discussion.

Adaptations in the Polish Rites of the Sacrament of Marriage

One of the issues raised by the Second Vatican Council was the need to revise the liturgical books that had been used until that time. The ritual of the sacrament of marriage was the first to undergo this process. The editio typica was prepared, and, following the promulgation of the Code of Canon Law in 1983, the Holy See published the second model edition of the ritual in question. The Polish version of the rites of the sacrament of marriage was developed on the basis of the Latin book, using historical sets of liturgical books from the nation. By virtue of the authority granted by the legislator, the Polish Episcopal Conference incorporated liturgical adaptations relevant to Poland into the ritual. With adherence to the indications included in the editio typica, the formularies and ceremonies established domestically were taken into consideration.

Pedagogia mediów w biskupiej posłudze Adama Lepy commemoratio testis

Adam Lepa – bishop of Łódź in Poland among his other pastoral skills, remains the notable Christian mass medialogist and effective organizer of the Catholic press, radio and television institutions. In the period after the turning point marked by the Solidarity social movement from the 80s. he worked as head of the Commission for Social Communication Instruments of the Polish Episcopate Conference. His academic competence and personal values were the basis for his various institutional and pastoral initiatives. Among others it is necessary to underline his role in the formulation of the charter of the main ideas formulated for the Society of Catholic Journalists. Even in her academic work Msgr Lepa has published many books and articles that are significant for contemporary mass-mediology. His personal life remains as the personal criterion of journalistic values in the field of „logosphere” on which he left us so many pages.

Masking or Unmasking the Evil? Polish Opinion-Forming Weeklies vis-à-vis the Crisis in the Roman Catholic Church in Poland

Almost twenty years have passed since the end of John Paul II’s pontificate. The Roman Catholic Church in Poland faces a serious crisis, stimulated not only by secularisation processes, which are characteristic for Western Europe, but also by a whole series of adverse events that unfolded at the end of the year 2020; they resembled a disaster marathon and had a considerable potential to attract media attention. A wide spectrum of Polish opinion-forming weeklies, ranging from left-liberal to ultra-conservative and far-right ones, as well as those associated with the Polish Episcopate, published accounts of the situation within the Catholic Church. In this manner, press discourse shaped the public perception of Catholicism in Poland. An analysis of the periodicals’ content disclosed a strong polarisation of opinions and a variety of interpretations. Differences between the particular weeklies were identified at the level of agenda-setting and prioritisation, framing, persuasion techniques employed, and additional contexts that were evoked, including the legal, moral, historical, philosophical, and religious ones.

Arma Veritatis : Poland and the World Exhibition of the Catholic Press (Esposizione mondiale della stampa cattolica), Vatican City, 1936

The World Exhibition of the Catholic Press held in the Vatican City from mid-May 1936, though not a 'universal' exhibition, but � seemingly � an internal affair of the Catholic Church, attracted representations of 45 states of Europe and America and 53 regions of the remaining three continents. True to its motto, its aim was propagandistic, directed against the current communist and liberal tendencies. The present paper, which looks at the exhibition from the perspective of the Polish room, is based on documentary materials left by its prime mover, Fr Stanis�aw Adamski, bishop of Katowice, responsible for the mass media in Polish episcopate. An interesting paradox is that it was not Poland as a state, but the representation of Polish Church that participated in the event. The state authorities were contacted only as much as political correctness and diplomatic courtesy required, or with the prospect of some financial support. They seemed to be indifferent and, at any rate, unwilling to spend any money on the exhibition, even though it was advertised by the Church as an excellent promotional opportunity. Bishop Adamski almost single-handedly devised the Polish exhibit, including the iconography and political message of a painting entitled Polonia � Sanctorum Mater et Scutum Christianitatis ('Poland � Mother of the Saints and Shield of Christianity'), which depicted important personalities from Polish history, including � tellingly � the figures of King John III Sobieski and Marshall J�zef Pi�sudski.

Statement of the Polish Episcopal Conference and Polish Bishops on the Covid-19 Pandemic. An Outline

Under canon law, both the Holy See, the Polish Episcopal Conference as well as individual diocesan bishops, issued many appeals, guidelines, decrees and dispensations in which they adhered to the safety rules introduced by the Polish government during the pandemic. The article discusses the statements of competent ecclesiastical authorities concerning the pandemic circumstances.

The work of the Conciliar Commission/ Commission for the Implementation of the Resolutions of the Second Vatican Council of the Polish Episcopate (1959-1977). Introduction to the history of the reception of the Council in Poland

The article is the first description in Polish ecclesiastical historiography of the activities of the Conciliar Commission/Commission for the Implementation of the Resolutions of the Second Vatican Council of the Polish Episcopate in the years 1959-1977. This body was the main organ responsible for the implementation of the resolutions of the Second Vatican Council, and the implementation of its reception in the Catholic Church in Poland. In the analysed period it was presided over by Archbishop Antoni Baraniak. The Commission was given particular attention by the Chairman of the Polish Episcopal Conference, Card. Stefan Wyszyński. Bolesław Kominek, Karol Wojtyła and Michał Klepacz made a significant contribution to the works of the Commission. Through the conciliar activity of its members, the Commission participated in the preparation of some documents, including the Pastoral Constitution on the Modern World Gaudium et spes.

Catholic Intimacies: Negotiating Contraception in Late Communist Poland

The majority of people in Poland self‐identified as Catholic throughout the second half of the twentieth century. Despite the Polish Episcopate's unanimous rejection of contraception as immoral and sinful, a considerable proportion of Polish Catholics utilized family planning techniques and technologies explicitly banned by their institutional Church. This article uses personal narratives to show how Polish Catholics negotiated their use of Church‐authorized and Church‐banned family planning methods with their lived experiences of faith in a communist state where both abortion and contraception were legal. We explore the strategies of interpretation, relativisation, and (selective) rejection through which Catholics who self‐identified as “practising” approached birth control as a social issue and an individual practice and show how communist secular approaches to birth control contributed to extending the scope of Catholics' agency in the realm of reproductive decision making.

Contributors

Contributors

Queen Jadwiga of Anjou’s influence on the composition of the Polish episcopate

This article aims to present Queen Jadwiga’ actual influence on nominations for episcopal sees during her reign (1384–1386) and joint rule with Władysław Jagiełło (1386–1399). Until now, except for Krzysztof Ożóg, researchers expressed only a marginal interest in the subject. The author cites relevant views contained in all major studies on Jadwiga’s reign as well as analyses all available sources, mainly printed ones, both papal documents and chronicles, with special regard to the works of Jan Długosz. Using the induction method, the author analyses 22 nominations for episcopal sees. Contrary to the views expressed in the literature of the subject, Jadwiga did not influence all episcopal nominations she has been attributed with. Nonetheless, in some cases (e.g. Piotr Wysz from Kraków, Andrzej Jastrzębiec from Vilnius) we may argue that she exerted noticeable pressure; in other instances it was probably only more or less subtle. In all analysed nominations, whenever her role was clearly proved in sources, we may notice that Jadwiga was invariably cooperative in the common ecclesiastical policy which she pursued together with her husband. For example, both took advantage of the Holy Sees’ vulnerability in the era of the Occidental Schism, which allowed them to push their own candidates for episcopal seats. The present analysis revealed that with regard to the majority of most prestigious bishoprics in the Kingdom of Poland it was Jagiełło who had key influence on candidates for episcopal nominations, building his own political power base. At the same time, certain episcopal promotions, especially those in Ruthenia, Moldova and Mazovia, were reported inadequately and in few sources, hence Jadwiga’s and Władysław’s influence on the nominations of bishops can only be hypothetically determined.

Protection of Personal Data in the Catholic Church in the Light of the EU Regulation No. 2016/67

The article deals with the issues of personal data protection in the Catholic Church in Poland. It presents to what extent the Catholic Church is obliged to apply Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 27, 2016 on the protection of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC and what are its requirements to its internal regulations. Reference was also made to the content of the Decree of the Polish Episcopate on the protection of personal data of March 13, 2018.

Status of Polish Priests in the United States 1956-1977

In 1976 the Polish Episcopate made a decision to regulate the status of Polish priests who left for the USA in 1956-1976. In Warsaw, thr work was manages by the Episcopal Secretariat, and in the USA, the coordinating office in Orchard Lake Schools, headed by Rev. Msgr. Alexander Cendrowski. Bishop Wesoły and Rubin from Rome cooperated with the center. On behalf of the American Episcopate, the Secretary General, Archbishop Bernardin, and the head of the Emigration and Tourism Commission Bishop Gracida cooperated.
 In the years 1956-1976, 356 priests and religious left Poland from 48 dioceses and 14 religious orders, including 165 priests and 186 religious. October 15, 1977 the status of priests was as follows: incardinated priests 52, religious 56; 16 in the incardination process, 17 emeritus, 7 returned to Poland, 33 had problems with incardination, 56 worked as a guest. The worked the most; 42 in Detroit, 41 in Chicago, 20 in Gary, 18 in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, 15 Buffalo, less than 10 in 18 dioceses It was impossibile to establish the status of the other priests they were suspended, sent to the secular state and entered into marriage.
 After 1978 Polish bishops made individual decisions and, in general, they lifted their suspensions and allowed them to work in the USA.

From Disruption to Dialog: Days of Judaism on Polish Twitter

While social media platforms afford visibility to marginalized voices and enable dissemination of alternative narratives, their own “power laws” can make few users responsible for most of the attention. New power users can redirect discussion away from those who initiate a conversation. The aim of this study is to examine relations between the network “gatekeepers” and “gatewatchers” following the announcement of the Days of Judaism celebrated by the Polish Episcopate every January. Two methodological approaches were taken over two consecutive years: social network analysis (SNA), and linguistic analysis of social media discourse. The linguistic analysis confirmed importance of classical rhetoric effects on Twitter. The social network analysis revealed that a balanced, personal statement given by users with high network standing outside of the Twittersphere can ignite constructive dialogue in the spirit of the inter-religious exchange that the idea behind Days of Judaism stands for. Our conclusion is that a careful social media policy of the Church, a controlled engagement in the public conversation, possibly by lay sympathizers of high standing in the real public life, have the potential for dispensing with the infamous toxicity of Twitter, and for turning conversation on any topic, even the most controversial, into positive exchange within the community of believers.

The position of the polish bishops’ conference on LGBT+ – philosophical, theological, clinical and political aspects

IntroductionPracticing medicine cannot disregard cultural conditions. Philosophy and religion are elements of culture. For several years in Poland, various circles have discussed the extensive LGBT issues. A document of Polish Bishops on this subject appeared on 28.08.2020. In 2018, 91.8% of people over 16 years old in Poland declared affiliation to the Roman Catholic Church (Statistics Poland 2020).ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to present different perspectives of effects of that publication, including ethical evaluation and references to clinical practice.MethodsStatements of protagonists and antagonists of this document in Polish were analyzed. Collected arguments were divided into types: philosophical – by philosophy branches (e.g. ethics, philosophical anthropology), theological and clinical.ResultsAs of 29.09.2020 – 85,200 results in the Google Search after typing (in Polish) “Polish Episcopal Conference LGBT”. The use of philosophical arguments by both parties results from the adaptation of different systems, e.g. regarding philosophical anthropology, some assume the immutability of human nature, others – its variability and susceptibility to shaping, e.g. human sexuality. Some emphasize the importance of non-discrimination, while others indicate the need to consider human essence in determining directions of actions.ConclusionsProfessionals should help everyone, regardless of conditions, in accordance with conscience and contemporary medical knowledge [Polish Code of Medical Ethics]. They should try to understand patients and the context of symptoms. Familiarizing oneself with arguments of both sides helps in this. But polemical language makes dialogue difficult. What for one is a “venerable tradition”, for another is a “stereotype” or “discrimination”.

Alterations in Religious Rituals Due to COVID-19 Could Be Related to Intragroup Negativity: A Case of Changes in Receiving Holy Communion in the Roman Catholic Community in Poland

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various domains of everyday life, including important religious rituals. In the Roman Catholic Church in Poland, the reception of Holy Communion was substantially altered. The suggestion of the Polish Episcopal Conference and diocesan bishops was to receive Holy Communion on the hand during the pandemic, while receiving on the tongue had been the default form before the pandemic. The present studies investigated whether alterations in the form of receiving Holy Communion during the pandemic resulted in intragroup negativity. A total of 376 Polish Roman Catholics participated in two online studies. The most ambivalent emotions toward their religious community were experienced by the followers who recognized reception of Holy Communion on the hand only. Intergroup bias occurred within the “hand only” and the “mouth only” groups and consisted in out-group favoritism (within the “hand only”) and out-group derogation (“mouth only”) in their perception of religious orientation. Intergroup empathy bias occurred in the “hand only” and “spiritual reception” groups, which reported less empathy toward those of the out-group (“mouth only”) infected with SARS-CoV-2. The highest legitimacy of the Church authority was agreed upon by the supporters of both forms of receiving Holy Communion.

Od idealisty do katolickiego Talleyranda Andrzej Micewski – ideolog, działacz i gracz polityczny w środowiskach katolickich w powojennej Polsce

The article focuses on the political and ideological evolution of Andrzej Micewski, with a particular study of the years 1945–1956. This journalist, initially associated with Tygodnik warszawski and Stronnictwo Pracy, made a connection with the group „Today and Tomorrow” after the fall of the independent Christian Democratic trend. Initially, he was a spokesman for the Catholic „third Road” there, but with time he became one of the most ardent supporters of „Catholic socialism” and ideologist of the „PAX” Association. His journalism fully supported the mainstream of official propaganda, expressing his enchantment with the system, incl. in assessing the internal and international situation, as well as in the context of the relationship between the state and the Church, in which he clearly stood on the side of the authorities repressing independent clergy. In 1956, however, he left PAX, founding the weekly magazine “For and Against” and co-creating the concept of a “non-partisan democratic left”. Its defeat probably caused him to believe that there were no prospects for ideological public activity. With time, his activities became more and more machiavellian, also he establishing cooperation with state security agencies. He was active in the “Znak” movement, trying unsuccessfully to build his own faction in it, and in the 1980s he collaborated with the Polish Episcopate and “Solidarity”. In the Third Polish Republic there was deputy to the Sejm, however, already expressing disappointment with political activity. His fascination with Prince Talleyrand was symbolic - it meant that he covered his opportunistic game with great ideas. Thus, he turned from an idealist, a believer in socialism, into a cynical official. He treated politics only as a zero-sum game, despite his excellent understanding of the arcana of politics, which he proved in his extensive historical journalism.

Ideals of Episcopal Power, Legal Norms and Military Activity of the Polish Episcopate between the Twelfth- and Fourteenth Centuries

This article is an attempt to illustrate relations between the theory and practice of the military activity of Polish bishops under the rule of the Piast dynasty. The problem is discussed based on an analysis of the locally formulated ideal of episcopal power and the ideological and legal patterns reaching Poland that regulated the possibilities of using weapons by clergymen, and, in particular, defined the ways in which churchmen participated in wars and in declaring and conducting them.