Ecumenical Council of Poland

The Polish Ecumenical Council (PRE) is an ecumenical organization founded in 1946 as a continuation of earlier ecumenical movements dating back to before World War II. It brings together seven churches: the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church, Protestant churches, and Old Catholic churches. One of the main goals of the PRE is to strive for full religious freedom and to foster closer ties among different Christian denominations. Historically, the Council initiated regular meetings as early as 1940, and the formation of the Provisional Ecumenical Council took place in 1942. In 1944, representatives of non-Catholic churches signed the "Polish Confession," and in 1946, the Christian Ecumenical Council was formally established. In the following years, the organization faced various challenges, including repression from the Polish People's Republic. Throughout its history, the Council established relations with the Catholic Church and undertook cooperation with other religious institutions. In 2000, the Council and its member churches signed a document recognizing the sacrament of baptism as a symbol of unity, although the Baptist Church did not participate in this initiative. The structure of the PRE includes a board composed of representatives from various denominations, with the current president, Bishop Andrzej Malicki, at its helm. The organization engages in ecumenical activities, documenting the history of cooperation and conducting joint projects, including radio worship services. An interesting fact is that in 1983, during Pope John Paul II's pilgrimage to Poland, the first meeting with representatives of the PRE took place, highlighting the growing importance of ecumenism in the country. The Council has also been noted for its self-critical reflection regarding its historical support for PRON (Patriotic Movement for National Revival). The efforts of the PRE contribute to strengthening relationships among different churches and promoting interfaith dialogue in Poland.