Ewangelizacja a ekumenizm w doświadczeniach Ruchu „Światło-Życie”

Abstract

The Oasis Movement, also called the “Light-Life” Movement (LLM), was founded by Father Franciszek Blachnicki in Poland where it became a force for spiritual and theological renewal. The movement, which is marked both by the personal charisma and spiritual experiences of its founder and by the directives of the Second Vatican Council, sought to respond to the Council’s call to Christian unity. How did LLM respond to this call? First of all LLM supported the ecumenical movement through renewal work within the Catholic Church in a way to be closer to non-Catholic Christians. The Oasis vision of pastoral ministry, which emphasized living faith based on personal relationship with Christ as well as Bible study, liturgical prayer, charismatic worship and spirit of fellowship, aroused interest, especially among Protestants. Secondly Father Blachnicki had been searching for a way to educate the LLM members in the spirit of ecumenism. The best advice he was gave to create a place for personal ecumenical friendship to develop. Some Protestant brothers from Poland and many from abroad, both as individuals and as groups, began attending and participating in Oasis retreats. We can say that Krościenko (the LLM center) became the “Taizé of Poland” Finally the most characteristic ecumenical feature of LLM was practical ecumenical cooperation in evangelization. Evangelization, in Father Blachnicki’s theology, was the way to Christian unity. LLM cooperation with interdenominational movements, Campus Crusade for Christ, and Youth With A Mission was unprecedented. Also significant for the ecumenical movement have been relationships between LLM and Scandinavian Churches and mission organizations. This cooperation bears fruit in many forms, especially in the methods, strategies and theology of evangelization. Therefore in spite of the break in this cooperation that followed ihe founder’s departure from Poland, LLM remains influenced by methods and theological positions originating in the Protestant tradition but adapted to Catholic needs.