Pastor Zbigniew Samociak took the initiative to rebuild the church in 2004 and sought partners in the city of Gubin and the surrounding area.

In Guben, this Polish initiative was received differently. Some said: „Don’t they have other things to worry about than rebuilding the church?

Only a few saw the opportunity that could be associated with this reconstruction work. I, who has had sufficient experience in German-Polish cooperation for more than 12 years in my function as Vice-Chancellor of the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), am one of these supporters. After more than 20 personal consultations with the Polish pastor Zbigniew Samociak on the reconstruction, the conceivable use and financing of the town and main church, as well as contacting personalities of Guben to participate in the reconstruction work, encouraged me to tackle this enormous task.

At the beginning of 2005, the involvement and support of the German initiators was made public in an article in the Lausitzer Rundschau – part Gubener Rundschau. The Polish initiators of the reconstruction joyfully received the news of the support and cooperation.

A long-needed signal for reconciliation and international understanding and for a common future was set in motion.