Together in Hope and Action
Looking back on the LWF Foundation’s work in Poland.
Together in Hope and Action is the title of a hybrid conference summarizing the three-and-a-half-year work of the LWF Foundation in Poland, held on 26 November 2025 in Warsaw.
The Foundation was established in 2022 by the Lutheran World Federation to support refugees from Ukraine. It implemented integration projects in community centers in Bielsko-Biała, Bytom-Miechowice, Gdańsk, Ostróda, Wrocław and Zgierz, and provided cash and in‑kind assistance. It also supported projects on the Polish‑Belarusian border. Altogether, it reached 112,000 people in need, in cooperation with many institutional and individual donors from around the world.
From the Lutheran World Federation were present: online, Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt, General Secretary of the LWF, and Maria Immonen, Director of World Service, and, on site in Warsaw, Rev. Dr Ireneusz Lukas, Secretary for Europe, and Allan Calma, humanitarian coordinator in World Service. From Poland, Bishop Jerzy Samiec and the bishops of all dioceses were present, together with Diakonia Polska, a member of the LWF Council, pastors of the parishes hosting community centers, and staff of the LWF Foundation, including its current director, Dr Iwona Baraniec.
In the first part of the meeting, words of greeting were offered by General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt.
Video available below:
Bishop Jerzy Samiec opened the meeting with a reflection in which he emphasized that the war in Ukraine is still ongoing and that the needs of refugees remain immense and have not disappeared despite war fatigue, a decreasing willingness to help in Polish society, and reduced funding. The central biblical text of the reflection was Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Bishop Samiec said: “To bear one another’s burdens means not only to help financially, but above all to stand beside another person, to listen to them and accompany them as they carry their load.” He recalled that this attitude of sensitivity to the needs of others was shown by Polish Lutheran pastors after the Second World War, who, despite extreme hardship, did not abandon their ministry, and by deaconesses who founded care homes out of the compassion of their hearts. He concluded that in offering help, motivations are important, and one such motivation is the inner impulse arising from faith in Christ. Although the Foundation is ending its work, it is still worth seeking ways to accompany people in their difficulties and not to give up helping simply because funds are lacking.
Next, Maria Immonen, Rev. Dr Ireneusz Lukas, and Allan Calma shared reflections on the beginnings of the cooperation. Rev. Sylvia Raulo presented an overview of the Foundation’s activities in terms of challenges, achievements, and recommendations. The summary, based on conversations with partners and refugees, culminated in the following insight: “The experience of the LWF Foundation shows that rapid humanitarian response, comprehensive support, and close cooperation with local actors who are well rooted in their communities and understand the context are crucial for effective assistance to refugees. Flexibility, local engagement, and the participation and active involvement of beneficiaries/refugees are key to successful integration and long‑term well‑being.”
Further reflections were offered by Bishop Professor Adrian Korczago, who summarized the work of the center in Bielsko‑Biała; Rev. Jan Kurko, who spoke about the center in Bytom‑Miechowice; and Iryna Kireieva, who led the integration center in Wrocław. The meeting concluded with words of thanks to the Polish bishops and to the staff of the LWF Foundation.
