For the first time in the Evangelical-Augsburg Church in Poland, priests can become parish priests. Three women passed the pro ministerio exam, obtaining the rights of parish priest-administrator.
Church spokesman Agnieszka Godfrejów-Tarnogórska informed that on Thursday in the Lutheran Center in Warsaw a church exam was held pro ministerio. Priest administrator privileges were granted to: Fr. Halina Radacz from the parish in Żyrardów, Fr. Katarzyna Rudkowska from the parish in Radom, as well as Fr. Marta Zachraj-Mikołajczyk and Fr. Paweł Mikołajczyk from the parish of Divine Providence in Wrocław.
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The exam consisted of two parts. “The written part includes a sermon and catechesis. The oral exam covers knowledge in the field of biblical studies, homiletics, catechetics, pastoral care, liturgy as well as church administration and law” – explained Godfrejów-Tarnogórska. The examination committee was chaired by the head of the Church, Bishop Jerzy Samiec.
The church exam pro ministeri took place in the Lutheran Center in Warsaw
Godfrejów-Tarnogórska said that priests who have passed the exam gain the right to perform the independent function of parish administrator of the parish.
“Such a person is directed to the parish by the decision of the superior authorities of the Church. After five years from the date of the priest’s ordination or the diaconate’s ordination, the clergy gain the right to apply for the position of parish priest and to stand as candidates in elections organized by parishes” – she explained.
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The Evangelical-Augsburg Church in Poland belongs to the Lutheran World Federation. It has over 60,000 believers. More than half of Polish Lutherans live in Cieszyn Silesia.
Halina Radacz, deacon of the Evangelical-Augsburg Church, talked to Piotr Jacon:
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