Impressions of the 2024 Congress of Renovabis

It was an exciting 28th International Congress of Renovabis (on 10-12 September in Freising): 220 participants from 26 countries including theologians, sociologists and Church representatives. In the Asam building (and online) we listened to interesting lectures, had stimulating discussions and exchanged experiences about the challenges posed by the loss of religiosity and faith in Europe. Particular attention was paid to the dialog between Eastern and Western Europe and the role of the Church in an increasingly secular society. A central theme was that secularization should not only be seen as a threat, but also as an opportunity for the Church. The speakers pleaded for courageously and openly entering into dialog with non-believers and finding new ways to communicate the message of faith in a pluralistic society.
The morning of the first day of the congress was devoted to the topic of “Understanding the faith and Church crisis in Europe”: Prof. Dr. Detlef Pollack (University of Münster) gave an introduction to the sociology of religion, Prof. Dr. Jan Loffeld (pastoral theologian and priest from Utrecht/Netherlands) and Prof. Dr. Tomáš Petráček from the Czech Republic addressed the question of the challenges and perspectives of future Christianity in Europe.
Paula Seling from Romania gave an emotional musical performance and touched the audience with her singing.
The other presentations and discussions shed light on how the Church can remain credible in a modern society characterized by technological and social upheaval. There was particular discussion on how religious communities can fulfill a “mission” in a pluralistic world and appear authentic in doing so. There were public events, including a discussion with prominent personalities such as the Bishop of Pilsen, Dr. Tomáš Holub, and the cabaret artist Christian Springer, who spoke on the topic of “Where is God today?”.
We discussed the congress theme “Having a mission – Bearing credible witness” in six dialog groups – from concern for the common home and environmental and climate protection to the therapeutic dimension of religiosity and the question of Church and media communication.
The congress also included cultural events, including a Byzantine rite vespers service and the opening of the exhibition “Icons against War” (in Ukraine), which were applied to the wood of ammunition boxes.
The congress was also part of the celebrations for the 1300th anniversary of the city and diocese of Freising.
For our Secretary General, Sr. Marjolein, it was a celebration of reunion with many acquaintances, many of whom she knew from the time when she founded a community in Riga/Latvia, but also from her activities with UCESM.
In connection with her work against spiritual/sexual abuse, she was pleased to meet Dr. Doris Reisinger as well as Dr. Barbara Haslbeck who does important research work on the topic.