Invitation for 5th International Symposium of Familiology
Faculty of Theology of University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland)
Chair of Family Sciences
in cooperation with
Anthropos Institute International (Sankt Augustin/Chicago)
National Pedagogical Dragomanov University (Kiev)
St. John Chrysostom Ivano-Frankivsk Academy (Ivano-Frankivsk)
Faculty of Theology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University (Warszawa)
The Institute of Pope John Paul II (Warszawa)
Polish Association of Familiology
invite you to the Conference:
Family – Politics - Globalization
Reminiscences of the Fight for the Family of Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński
Organizer: Faculty of Theology UWM, date: May13-14, 2021
Scientific Council:
Prof. Piotr Adamek SVD (FJU, Taipei)
Stanisław Grodź SVD, PhD (Anthropos-Institute, St. Augustin)
Prof. Sebastian M. Michael SVD (Institute of Indian Culture, Mumbai)
Prof. Elżbieta Osewska (PWSZ, Tarnów)
Prof. Katarzyna Parzych-Blakiewicz (UWM, Olsztyn)
Prof. Andrzej Pryba MSF (UAM, Poznań)
Prof. Jarosław Różański OMI (UKSW, Warszawa)
Prof. Roger Schroeder SVD (Catholic Theological Union, Chicago)
Rev. Prof. Józef Stala (UPJPII, Kraków)
Rev. Prof. Zdzisław Struzik (The Institute of Pope Johna Paul II, Warszawa)
Prof. Denys Svyrydenko (NPDU, Kiev)
Prof. Sergii Terepyshchyi (NPDU, Kiev)
Prof. Philipus Tule SVD (Widya Mandira Catholic University, Kupang, Indonesia)
Rev. Prof. Roman Zaviyskyy (IFA, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine)
Prof. Arkadiusz Żukowski (UWM Olsztyn)
It is assumed that the family is the oldest and simplest social institution. This fundamental institution is at the center of interest not only for churches, but also for politicians, because the control over the family allows for the trouble-free realization of political goals.
During the domination of Marxist-Leninist ideology, the family was the main obstacle in creating the imposed identity of the proletariat with no sense of family ties and attachment to tradition. Aggressive campaigns were carried out, first of all, to break the intergenerational ties found in the family and to push for the state to raise children. The emblematic defender of the family in the period of Marxist socialism in Poland was the Catholic Church, headed by Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński (1901-1981) for several dozen years. In his activities, he has fought for the family, emphasizing its importance in preserving national identity and nurturing patriotism.
Thirty years after the fall of communism, the discourse promoted by Cardinal Wyszyński seems outdated. Times have changed. In principle, there are no obstacles that would hinder personal freedom. Moreover, the conditions of educating the young generation have changed significantly. New media worlds have emerged, governed by their own rules, and whose impact on society cannot be underestimated. Eventually, the material situation of society has improved significantly.
The aim of the upcoming Conference is to reflect on the importance of the family in state politics, on using it for ideological and for developmental purposes, breaking it up in the context of indigenous and national minorities, controlling its size and beliefs, and helping it in crisis and in poverty situations. By placing an emphasis on the present, one cannot avoid referring to the past, the model of which will be the attitude of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, for whom the family was the main support in the fight against Marxist ideology. Documentation containing data from different cultures will be confronted with the classical model of the Catholic family.
Is the classic family model (parental authority, nurturing traditions, emphasis on bringing up children) salvageable? The traditional family is in confrontation with the ideal of homo sovieticus and other contemporary models of the family. Is the message of Card. S. Wyszyński about the family still relevant (recipients, language, context)? Pluralism of family forms on a religious and cultural basis. Is globalization contributing to the creation of a new, transcultural family model or other basic social unit? What is the importance of the family in the political game of the state and international organizations? Challenges of geographical and social mobility for family unity and harmony of life. Successes and failures of pro-family activities of the state and social organizations.
The "Family - politics - globalization" conference, which is already the fifth edition of the International Family Symposia, is scheduled for May 13-14, 2021 and will be held on-line. We invite specialists in the humanities, social sciences and theology to join the debate. We care very much about an interdisciplinary approach, because we are convinced that only such an approach will ensure the objectivity of research on the family. The languages of the Conference are English and Polish.
Please send the application on the attached form by January 15, 2021 to the following address: Ця електронна адреса захищена від спам-ботів. Вам необхідно увімкнути JavaScript, щоб побачити її.
Organizing committee
Prof. Jacek Jan Pawlik SVD - Chairperson
Rev. Zbigniew Kulesz, PhD
Rev. Cezary Opalach, PhD
Ewelina Mączka, PhD
Sylwia Mikołajczak, PhD
Maria Piechocka-Kłos, PhD