Conference “In Christ – Towards the Centre Together”

As in previous years, the conference has the aim of serving the renewal of theology and the church. The organizers are convinced that this is only possible if the various Christian confessions and denominations work together to move towards the center of faith, namely, towards Jesus Christ. For the closer they come to the center, the closer they also will grow to each other. This is the avowed goal of the contributions by several eminent international keynote speakers, as well as more in-depth lectures and seminars. An open conversation between Roman Catholic, Reformed, Anglican, Orthodox and Free Churches will serve to strengthen ecumenical relations.

The Reformed Churches and the Catholic Church of Switzerland are prominently represented by FSPC President Gottfried Locher and Abbot Urban Federer of Einsiedeln. In addition, international speakers, such as renowned theologian Alister McGrath (Oxford), Anglican Bishop Graham Tomlin (London) and Christian Hennecke (Diocese of Hildesheim) kindly agreed to speak at the conference. Numerous additional speakers will add diversity to the spectrum of perspectives, e.g. Sabine Brändlin (FSPC Council Member), Andreas Boppart (Director of Campus for Christ) and Sarah Farmer (Yale University). For the first time, the conference will be endorsed by both the SBC and the FSPC, which is an important signal for the ecumenical process.

On Friday, June 22, 2018, an ecumenical church service will be held at the Fribourg Cathedral as part of the conference. This is a continuation of the ecumenical service of April 1, 2017, in Zug, which represented an important symbol of reconciliation. Bishop Felix Gmür (Diocese of Basel) and Gottfried Locher will both address the congregation.

The conference languages are English and German. Simultaneous interpretation services in German and French will be offered. The conference is open to all interested persons. It is organized by the Study Centre for Faith and Society and by the Institute for Ecumenical Studies.