Protection of Sunday as a work-free day

The Churches of the Polish Ecumenical Council point out the necessity of Sunday as a day free of work. Sunday is not only a day Christians traditionally participate in services and maintain their religious and spiritual lives. Protection of Sunday as a work-free day is also very important for the health of employees, combining professional and family life as well as community life in general. A common day off work reinforces community ties currently threatened not only by the economic crisis.

Research suggests that Sunday has greater significance for the health and well-being of employees than any other day off work during the week. It is also the only day during the week for the entire family to meet. Lack of a day free of work will carry negative consequences for individuals, families and entire societies.

Emphasizing the need of celebrating a work-free Sunday we also remember the rights of employees often exploited at the expense of family life.

By initiative of the Commission for Dialogue of the Conference of the Polish Episcopate and the Polish Ecumenical Council a symposium will be held in Kamień Śląski in October 2011 on the subject of “The significance of a day off”.