JERZY SAMIEC

How did you experience the collaboration with LWF and where was the joint work especially helpful?

In the very first days of the war, representatives of the LWF came to Poland offering support for the activities of the Church At that time we did not know how this cooperation would develop What was important, was that the communion responded to the situation in one of the LWF regions, and as a member church, we felt that we weren't left alone in that situation.

In Poland, there was an especially warm welcome and very generous support to the refugees from Ukraine. Why do you think that is, and what motivates the many ECACP pastors and church volunteers to help?

The war broke out across our eastern border, close to our country, our homes. For at least 8 years we had a group of citizens from Ukraine who were here because of the situation in Donbas or who worked here It was also influenced by our historical experience For many Poles, it was obvious that it was necessary to help our neighbors There was no calculation, no analysis, just spontaneous action Lutheran parishes also joined in the assistance, to the best of their ability We are a small Church, living in the diaspora, but in an emergency situation this does not matter People have been trying to help as much as possible.

I think they feel responsible, not only for themselves but also for the people who live around us. They are probably also afraid of what might happen, sometimes they feel powerless, they would like to do anything to end this war. In many parishes volunteer groups have been formed, projects are being implemented, and people from Ukraine have the opportunity to integrate into the local community and receive support

(Questions: LWF Answers: Bishop Jerzy Samiec, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland/ ECACP)