Krakow congregation welcomes Assembly participants

Discover the Assembly welcome program organized by the Krakow congregation for the LWF Thirteenth Assembly. Engaging debates, cultural experiences, and a warm embrace of diversity await attendees in this celebration of unity.

Krakow Lutheran church opens during the Assembly 

(LWI) - In anticipation of the Thirteenth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the Krakow congregation of the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland (ECACP) has organized a welcome program that celebrates diversity and unity. Pastor Łukasz Ostruszka, the parish pastor and guiding force behind these preparations, reveals the highlights and objectives.

"Our congregation is thrilled to welcome participants from around the world to our city," Pastor Łukasz shares. The welcome program is designed not only for Assembly attendees but also for the inhabitants of Krakow and all who are interested. It features two engaging debates with distinguished theologians, publicists, and social activists, including Adam Michnik, co-founder and editor-in-chief of the Gazeta Wyborcza newspaper, and Bishop Marcin Hintz, of the Pomerania-Wielkopolskas Diocese. These discussions will explore critical topics of society and religion, offering diverse perspectives.  

Show Lutheran life in Poland 

The Krakow congregation's church will remain open throughout the Assembly, allowing visitors to engage with volunteers who share their personal experiences as Lutherans in Poland. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the captivating Old Town in Krakow through guided walks led by volunteers from the congregation.  

The activities planned by the congregation aim to showcase the uniqueness of Poland and explore the societal challenges faced by the country and the local context. Pastor Łukasz emphasizes that the activities reflect the ongoing refugee crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, growing nationalism, and secularization. By offering their perspectives, the congregation hopes to foster understanding and demonstrate that they are a vibrant and open community despite being a relatively small church.  

One of the program's highlights is the debate titled "Religion in a Public Space – A Destructive Force or a Chance for a Better Tomorrow," scheduled for September 11th. This discussion, featuring journalists, activists, and theologians with contrasting viewpoints, aims to address the current situation in Poland and encourage public discourse on this matter.  

Beyond the debates, the program encompasses classical music concerts, providing a cultural experience and a space for spiritual reflection. All interested individuals can participate in the activities as all events the congregation organizes are open to visitors. Pastor Łukasz invites everyone to enjoy their hospitality and encourages them to ask questions, emphasizing that guests are welcomed with open arms.