Abstrakt

The Second Plenary Polish Synod took place from 1991 to 1999. The resolutions of the Synod came into force on the 28th February 2002. The resolutions represent the revival of all aspects of ecclesiastical life in Poland. Chapter 13 of these resolutions entitled: Polish Pastoral Ministry Abroad, was dedicated to the emigrant issue. It reflects a theological outlook on pastoral ministry among Polish emigrants especially those living in the former Soviet Union. The Synod endeavored to resolve all problems that may arise by creating Regulations and Advices. There is also an addendum: Frameworks of Polish Pastoral Ministry Abroad. Resolutions of the Synod reveal that although the Church in Poland is concerned about the religious side of the emigration issue, it does not ignore, but recognizes the lay aspects of emigration. The Regulations and Advices show us how the ordering, interpretation and diagnosis of the problems linked with emigration are conducive to the resolutions set by the Synod. An addendum, which gives a description of the structures of Polish ministry abroad from a historical aspect, shows us how differential that ministry is. It also shows how it is open for various initiatives in terms of mere emigration. "The resolutions of the Synod reveal the elusiveness of the emigration phenomenon and brings to light the fact that there are many legislative problems in the Church waiting to be resolved. The Church in Poland - as we can see from the resolutions of the Synod - is aware of the phenomenon of new and different kinds of emigration which create new and specific problems for Polish pastoral ministry abroad.