Disputes regarding the sacral dimension of marriage in Poland from 1945-1948

Poland in the latter half of the 20th century was a place where the Christian vision of theworld struggled with the Marxist vision and the totalitarian political system that stemmed from it.The civil law that regulated entering into marriage and its consequences was one of the key areasof dispute. This paper presents the origin of the conflict started by the act of 25 September 1945,which introduced new regulations, contrary to the centuries-old tradition based on the Christianaxiology. Civil relationships and the permissibility of divorce were their main points. The Churchresponded with a pastoral letter – the first one since the end of the war – defending the sacramentalnature of marriage. It emphasised the unique dignity of the marriage of the man and the woman,based on mature love, which leads to creating a family and building a community.

Poland in the latter half of the 20th century was a place where the Christian vision of the world struggled with the Marxist vision and the totalitarian political system that stemmed from it. The civil law that regulated entering into marriage and its consequences was one of the key areas of dispute. This paper presents the origin of the conflict started by the act of 25 September 1945, which introduced new regulations, contrary to the centuries-old tradition based on the Christian axiology. Civil relationships and the permissibility of divorce were their main points. The Church responded with a pastoral letter – the first one since the end of the war – defending the sacramental nature of marriage. It emphasised the unique dignity of the marriage of the man and the woman, based on mature love, which leads to creating a family and building a community.