Ekklesiologische Implikationen des Hirtenbriefs der polnischen Bischöfe an ihre deutschen Amtsbrüder im Jahr 1965
THE ECCLESIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE LETTER OF THE POLISH BISHOPS TO THE GERMAN BISHOPS OF 1965

Summary/Abstract: The effects of World War II influenced the relations between the nations of Europe. They also influenced the life of the Church in a universal way, because its members found themselves of both sides of the Iron Curtain. This was particularly visible in Polish-German relations. The Polish bishops, inspired by the message of the Gospel and the legacy of the Second Vatican Council, came forward with a proposal of initiating the process of reconciliation. The words, “we forgive and ask for forgiveness”, contained in the Letter to the German Bishops of 1965, became the inspiration for the years-long reconciliation effort. The specific results of this formula are indicated in the formal normalisation of the state and church relations. In the ecclesial dimension, it included a new canonical diocese order and cooperation on the pastoral, charitable and journalistic plane. The real influence of the Polish-German reconciliation on the process of integration of the peoples of Europe should be emphasised. In this sense, the influence of the Christian message on shaping the public sphere is revealed.

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