From April 28 to 30, 2026, the contact group of the Polish and German Bishops' Conferences met in Płock, Poland, for their annual consultation. Hosted by Bishop Szymon Stułkowski, the gathering focused on exchanging ideas about pastoral challenges and the development of the Church in both countries. Among the participants were co-chairs Archbishop Stanisław Budzik (Lublin) and Bishop Bertram Meier (Augsburg), along with Bishop Wolfgang Ipolt (Görlitz) and Bishop Tadeusz Lityński (Zielona Góra).
These regular meetings are a powerful sign of ecumenical and neighborly unity. They show that the Church works across national borders to strengthen faith and serve people. In a time when Europe faces many challenges, this dialogue is all the more valuable.
Pastoral Challenges in Focus
A key topic was how parishes in both countries can respond to declining membership and demographic change. The bishops shared best practices and considered how the Church can remain attractive to people of all ages. Youth ministry and the integration of migrants were especially discussed.
The Bible reminds us that we are all part of one body: "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27, NIV). Preserving and promoting this unity is a task that unites all Christians. The contact group works to develop concrete steps to put this biblical vision into practice.
Joint Projects and Initiatives
During the session, specific projects were presented, such as youth group exchanges and mutual support in training pastoral workers. These initiatives help the Church in both countries learn from each other and grow. The bishops emphasized the importance of meeting on equal footing and mutual appreciation.
Biblical Foundations of Cooperation
The cooperation between the churches in Poland and Germany has deep biblical roots. Already in the New Testament, believers are encouraged to serve one another and pray for each other. The Apostle Paul writes: "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2, NIV). This verse was also the guiding theme of the deliberations in Płock.
Participants agreed that the Church cannot act in isolation in a changing world. Cross-border exchange enriches one’s perspective and helps find new paths. The hope is that these encounters will inspire other communities to form similar partnerships.
A Look to the Future
The contact group will continue its work and plan the next meeting in Germany. The bishops invited everyone to pray for the unity of the Church and to actively engage in their parishes. The meeting in Płock showed that dialogue between churches bears fruit and strengthens faith.
For readers, the question arises: How can we build bridges in our own communities—to other denominations, cultures, or generations? Perhaps the first step is a prayer or an invitation to talk. The Bible says: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32, NIV).
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