Documents of the Polish Bishops' Conference
Statement of the President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference after having watched Tomasz Sekielski’s film
Today I was deeply moved and saddened when watching Mr. Sekielski's film, and I would like to thank him for this film. For the most part, the message of the film corresponds to my experience gained during the many conversations I have held with the victims. I am convinced that this film, too, will result in an even more stringent compliance with the guidelines for the protection of children and young people in the Church, in the implementation by all bishops of prevention principles in each diocese, and in the compliance with the Motu proprio that Pope Francis promulgated the day before yesterday.
Communication of the 382nd Plenary Assembly of the Polish Bishops' Conference
Statistical data concerning abuse of minors by some clerics, family values and celebration of Sunday, protection of human life and the issue of attempts to interfere in the organization of religion classes at school - were the topics of the 382nd Plenary Assembly of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, which ended on March 14 in Warsaw. In addition to the Communication summarizing the Assembly, the bishops issued two positions: on the celebration of Sunday and on the so-called LGBT-Carta.
The study concerning reported cases of sexual abuse of minors
382 reported cases of sexual abuse of minors, including 198 cases concerning minors under the age of 15, and 184 above the age of 15; the reported cases cover the time from January 1, 1990, to June 30, 2018 - according to the data received by the Secretariat of the Polish Bishops’ Conference from all dioceses and religious orders. They were elaborated by the Institute for Catholic Church Statistics and the Child Protection Centre.
Activities of the Church in Poland in terms of prevention and protection of children and youth 2005-2019
Since 2005, the Catholic Church has been particularly involved in efforts to protect children and young people against sexual abuse by clerics. At the initiative of the Church, the Child Protection Center was established, about 3,000 priests were trained in prevention, and in each diocese there is a delegate dealing with the protection of children and youth.
The Polish Bishops’ Conference: Zero Tolerance for the Crimes of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Clergy
We publish data on the activities of the Church in Poland concerning the prevention of sexual exploitation of minors by members of the clergy. These include assistance to victims, prosecution of perpetrators and development of prevention programs. The Catholic Church is the most advanced institution in this field in our country.
Polish Bishops Ask Victims of Sexual Abuse for Forgiveness
“We ask God, the victims of abuse, their families and the Church community for forgiveness for all the harm done to children and young people and their relatives” – the Polish Bishops wrote in a statement published on November 19 by the Plenary Assembly of the Polish Bishops’ Conference dedicated to sexual abuse of children and youth by some members of the clergy.
The Church in Poland participated in the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of regained independence
The Church in Poland took part in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of independence with a Solemn Mass was celebrated in the Temple of Divine Providence in Warsaw that brought together bishops and representatives of the highest state authorities, while ecumenical services and many patriotic events and prayers for the homeland were held in Polish parishes in the country and abroad as. A Message was addressed to the Polish nation by Pope Francis. On November 11th, at noon, the bells of many churches resonated.
