The article has been written to commemorate the first decade of 'Rocznik Teologii Katolickiej' ('Journal of Catholic Theology'). The idea to start it emerged during the i rst months after the opening of the Chair of Catholic Theology in the University of Bialystok. It was then decided to base it on the existing scientific journal. The first volume, called 'Biuletyn Teologii Katolickiej' ('Bulletin of Catholic Theology') was a part of the 18th volume of 'Studia Teologiczne - Bialystok, Drohiczyn, Lomza' ('Studies in Theology - Bialystok, Drohiczyn, Lomza') in 2000. The next volume appeared separately, but still under the aegis of the 'Studies'. The 'Journal' became an independent magazine in 2002. Its aim is to present the Chair's publications, popularize theological science in Bialystok academic circles, cooperate with researchers in philosophy, arts and humanities and natural sciences and sharing experience with scientific centres home and abroad.
As a result of the 1st partition of Poland (1772) about one million of Catholics found themselves within the borders of the Russian Empire. About one hundred thousand of them followed the Latin rite. Both the Petersburg government and the Holy See were interested in defining the role of the Catholic Church within the absolute monarchy and giving a new organizational shape to the Catholic Church structures in Russia. In this situation tsaritsa Catherine II wilfully created the so-called 'Belorussian Bishopric'. With the consent of the Chuch Stanislaw Bohusz-Siestrzencewicz the auxiliary bishop of Vilnius became the head of the new 'diocese'. This new unit, erected with no foundation in the Canon Law, was never accepted by the Holy See. Catherine's next arbitrary decision was to elevate the 'Belorussian Bishopric' to the rank of archbishopric and giving bishop Siestrzencewicz the title of 'metropolitan of all Roman Catholic Churches in Russia'. As a result, Pope Pius VI legitimized the tsaritsa's decisions and erected a metropoly with the see in Mohylev. He also granted bishop Siestrzencewicz the rank of archbishop with all the rights and privileges of the office. The papal decisions of 1783, however forced, prevented schism and secured the state of integrity of the Catholic Church in the Russian Empire with the Holy See
The Interfaculty Chair of Catholic Theology was initiated by the Bialystok Metropolitan Curia represented by Bishop Prof. Edward Ozorowski, the then auxiliary bishop of Bialystok Archdiocese and the authorities of University of Bialystok represented by the former chancellor, Prof. Adam Jamróz. The new university unit came into being as a result of a resolution passed by the University Senate on 14th October 1998 and an agreement signed by University of Bialystok and Roman Catholic Bialystok Archdiocese on 8th October 2009. The Chair employs five researchers and a secretary. The Chair researchers give lectures, seminars and classes in theology, philosophy and arts within particular University faculties, especially in dogmatic, moral and biblical theology, theology of marriage and family, pedagogics, ethics, history of theology and history of the Church. To popularize research results and make the Bialystok academic community aware of ethical, social and religious problems, the Chair organizes conferences, lectures and panel discussions. In the years 1999-2009 forty six conferences and other scientific conventions were held. Since the year 2002 seven volumes of a yearbook ('Rocznik Teologii Katolickiej') were published. Articles are also published in a separate periodical 'Rozprawy Miedzywydzialowej Katedry Teologii Katolickiej Uniwersytetu w Bialymstoku' (five volumes have appeared). The Chair researchers also publish their articles in other scientific journals in Poland and abroad. The total number of publications including books, articles, reviews, reports and others is 800. Within ten years the Chair initiated three series of postgraduate courses: two in religious instruction and one in management and Church administration. Because of its character, the Chair realizes its mission in all University faculties. Its scholars make efforts to extend the choice of classes and look for interdisciplinary dialogue, introducing theological element into the University scientific work.
JavaScript jest wyłączony w Twojej przeglądarce internetowej. Włącz go, a następnie odśwież stronę, aby móc w pełni z niej korzystać.