Patriotism not the same as nationalism: Polish Church

Archbishop Józef Kupny stressed at its presentation to the media that the Catholic Church makes a “clear distinction between noble patriotism and nationalism, which is a form of social egoism.”

“In conditions of a deep-reaching political conflict in Poland, it is our patriotic duty to reflect on the language of public debate”, he said.

The document, which also touches on the patriotic education of young people, is addressed to politicians, teachers, parents as well as to priests, the archbishop said.

Zbigniew Nosowski, editor of the Catholic quarterly Więź, welcomed the document’s words which stress that “patriotism must never be a justification for hostility, contempt and aggression”.

Interviewed by the Catholic Information Agency, Nosowski said, however, that it remains to be seen whether and how the message of the document will be translated into life at parish level.

“It is a pity”, he said, “that the document has not been published as a pastoral letter to be read out in all Polish churches”. In Nosowski’s view, there are many groups identifying themselves with the Church that equate patriotism with nationalism. (mk/pk)