6th Religious Pedagogical-Theological Study Day on 03.12.2021

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"And..., where is your sacred space? Unlocking potentials."
6th Religious Pedagogical-Theological Study Day of the Institute for Catholic Theology

Welcome by Annegret Reese-SchnitkerImage: Martin Richwien
Welcome by Prof. Dr. Annegret Reese-Schnitker

After the 6th Religious Education Theological Study Day had to be postponed several times due to the pandemic situation, it was finally able to take place again on December 3, 2021 - in compliance with the currently valid Corona protection regulations.

This year, the motto for the almost 40 participants was "And..., where is your sacred space? Unlocking potential" on the program. The aim was to reflect on the significance of (sacred) spaces for theology and religious learning. Once again, the topic was considered from two theological disciplines and debated in an interdisciplinary manner.

Unlike in previous years, the practical teaching workshops took place at the beginning of the event. The following topics were on offer this time:


Workshop "A religious space for all? Reflections on the design of interreligious celebrations and prayer spaces in the school context" (Prof. Dr. Angela Kaupp)

Prof. Kaupp during the lectureImage: Martin Richwien
Egbert Ballhorn in the workshopImage: Martin Richwien

Biblical-theological workshop on "Narrative-topographical Bible didactics: Space in the Bible - Space for the Bible" (Prof. Dr. Egbert Ballhorn)

Workshop "Moses - Story: Take off your shoes, you are treading on holy ground. Religious education productions with Godly Play" (Diane Wrede Ebel)

Diane Wrede-Ebel and Johannes ThueneImage: Martin Richwien
Dagmar Kuhle in the workshopImage: Martin Richwien

Workshop "The cemetery as a sacred space - explorations with school classes" (Dagmar Kuhle)

The participants of the study day thus had the opportunity to gain initial, very practical access to sacred spaces through various topics and focal points.

After a short break, the first keynote lecture by Prof. Dr. AngelaKaupp (religious education teacher at the University of Koblenz) began with the topic "What spaces does religion need? The importance of places and spaces for religious learning processes".

Following a longer break, Prof. Dr. Egbert Ballhorn (Old Testament scholar at the University of Dortmund) gave a lively and interesting biblical response and provided an insight into the significance of spatiality in biblical texts.

Despite the strict corona rules, there was also the opportunity to engage in lively discussions in small groups during the break and after the event - fortified by snacks and drinks.


As in previous years, the Religious Education and Theology Study Day was an event that will be remembered for its interesting interdisciplinary program and gave all participants new insights and perspectives into a topic that is less frequently the focus of theological discourse. (Sacred) spaces are relevant and harbor special challenges and opportunities for theology as well as for religious learning at school.