Działalność Karola Wojtyły na forum Konferencji Episkopatu Polski i jej komisji (1958-1978)
Karol Wojtyła’s activity on the forum of the Episcopal Conference of Poland and its committees (1958-1978)

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present the leading role of Karol Wojtyła in the work of the Episcopal Conference of Poland (ECP) in the years 1958–1978. Therefore, the main research problem will be a description of Karol Wojtyła’s participation and actual influence on the activities of the Episcopal Conference of Poland, together with evaluation of the effects of his activities. The following hypotheses can be formulated. 1) Karol Wojtyła’s influence on the work of ECP evolved along with his changing position in the Episcopate structures (a strong trend for an increasing influence); 2) Karol Wojtyła undertook multi-faceted, multi-directional and multidimensional actions; 3) actions undertaken by Karol Wojtyła in ECP significantly influenced the development of relationships between the state and the Church. The studies were conducted using the historical (genetic) method and content analyses, which allow to present the following factual data. Karol Wojtyła played an important role in work of ECP and its specialist committees. From 1958 (his appointment as the suffragan bishop of Kraków) he was a member of the ECP, and in 1964 (appointment as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kraków) he joined the top management group – EP Main Commission. As part of the tasks he was appointed then, he prepared pastoral letters and participated in development of relationships with the government of the Polish People’s Republic; he was also responsible for contacts with the Apostolic See and episcopal conferences abroad; and he inspired changes in the organisational structure, aims and tasks of ECP. His participation in the work of specialist commissions represented an important part of his involvement with the Episcopal Conference of Poland. During twenty years of his ministry as a bishop Karol Wojtyła was a member of the following commissions: Commission for the Lay Apostolate - chairman in 1966–1978; Sub-commission for Studies – chairman in 1967–1970; Commission for Catholic Education – chairman in 1970–1978; Science Council – chairman in 1972–1978; Commission for Christian Ministry – member in 1958–1978; Council Commission – member in 1963–1970; and Vocations Commission – member in 1967–1970. The number and the diversity of proposals, projects, and postulates notified by him prove the unique intellect, organisational skills and leadership skills of the future pope.

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