Representatives of European Churches in Warsaw

On Sunday, April 6, the Holy Trinity Evangelical Church  in Warsaw hosted a panel discussion titled “Europe – Church – Ecumenism in Times of Turmoil”, organized as part of the “Conversations Under the Dome” series. The meeting was opened by the parish pastor, Rev. Piotr Gaś, and moderated by Dr. Dominika Kozłowska, editor-in-chief of Znak monthly. Panelists included: Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, General Secretary of the Conference of European Churches (CEC); Rev. Dr. Manuel Enrique Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of the The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE); Rev. Prof. Piotr Mazurkiewicz (UKSW); and Prof. Tadeusz J. Zieliński (ChAT). The discussion focused on the future of Europe, its internal tensions, the rise of nationalism and populism, and the role churches can play in integration processes without abandoning their diversity.

Immediately after the panel, an ecumenical Service of the Word was held, co-organized by the Polish Ecumenical Council (PRE), the Conference of European Churches, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union, and the Holy Trinity parish. Participating in the liturgy were leaders of churches affiliated with the Polish Ecumenical Council: Rev. Superintendent Andrzej Malicki (Methodist Church, President of PRE), Bishop Jerzy Samiec (Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession), Bishop Przemysław S. Koroza (Evangelical Reformed Church), Bishop Andrzej Gontarek (Polish Catholic Church), and Bishop M. Jan Opala (Old Catholic Mariavite Church). The Roman Catholic Church was represented by, among others, Bishop Adam Bab (Archdiocese of Lublin), responsible within the Polish Bishops’ Conference for dialogue with the Orthodox Church, and Bishop Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE.

At the beginning of the service, church representatives lit a candle featuring a map of Europe and the symbol of ecumenism, offering intentions based on prayers of Clement of Rome. A symbolic empty chalice and paten on the altar reminded worshippers of the yet unrealized gift of Eucharistic unity. The sermon, based on John 18:28–19:5, was preached by Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach. He emphasized the need for churches to reflect self-critically on their relationships with political power and their faithfulness to the Gospel. He noted that ecumenism allows for correction and spiritual growth through the perspective of others. He also highlighted that—just as the Fathers of the Council of Nicaea did 1700 years ago—Christians and the nations of Europe today are called to seek paths to unity together.

The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed (without the Filioque) was recited together, along with the Lord’s Prayer. The service concluded with a blessing imparted by the attending bishops. Musical accompaniment was provided by the Semper Cantamus Choir conducted by Zuzanna Kuźniak, the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family, and organist Dr. Roman Szlaużys.

The following day, April 7, a delegation from CEC, COMECE, PRE, and the Polish Bishops’ Conference met with Adam Szłapka, Minister for European Union Affairs. The visit aimed to present the churches’ joint reflections on the political priorities of the Polish EU Presidency. Topics discussed included the promotion of lasting peace in Ukraine, a just migration and asylum policy, and the EU enlargement process. The churches emphasized the need for policies rooted in human dignity, solidarity, and peace.