The Polish Bishops’ Conference is developing a plan of action in the event of an armed conflict that could reach Poland.
This was stated by the chairman of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda, Euronews reports.
The archbishop emphasized that war could reach Poland against the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine and the war with Iran.
According to him, the Catholic Church, together with the government, is developing crisis plans to prepare parishes as emergency assistance centers in the event of war or natural disasters.
According to Wojda, the government has agreed to provide parishes with electric generators, water supply, medicines, and hygiene products in case of crisis.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Minister of the Interior Marcin Kierwiński met with bishops at the conference’s general secretariat. The meeting focused on cooperation between the state and the Church in providing assistance to people affected by natural disasters, catastrophes, and potential military threats. The ministry called the Church “a pillar for strengthening local security.”
The Bishops’ Conference has created a working group of experts to develop procedures for preparedness for crises and security threats.
The plan covers three key areas: assistance to refugees and the organization of humanitarian corridors, the use of the parish network for the distribution of food, water, and shelter, ensuring the safety of parish institutions as first aid points, as well as the evacuation and protection of monuments.
Archbishop Wojda noted that they are aware of the challenges they may face, and in many places special seminars and training sessions are already being conducted.
“The government understands that in a crisis situation most Poles will first turn to the Church for help and only then to municipal institutions and agencies,” Wojda said.
As reported by LF, in Vilnius members of the Council of the Lithuanian Exarchate and a representative of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, Arūnas Degutis, discussed how the clergy should act in the event of war.
