Research Unit KÖW
Church and Congregational Theory: Global Lutheran und Ecumenical Perspectives
Themes
What ideas and images are behind the ways people talk and theorize about church? What assumptions and what objectives are implicitly involved in shaping the church and developing theories?
Based on these questions, the KÖW conducts research on specific churches, congregations and projects. Applied research and basic research mutually enrich each other.
Research Approach
The KÖW looks beyond Germany, in particular towards Western and Eastern Europe. What can we learn from churches and congregations living in highly secularised regions? International and ecumenical impulses are included in research and knowledge transfer.
Specific research projects are currently underway on church volunteers, on “Kirche Kunterbunt” (messy church Germany) and on minority churches in Eastern Europe.
Knowledge Transfer
The KÖW aims for knowledge transfer between the church and academic theology: Theories are developed on the basis of relevant challenges and made available for practical implementation.
With our research topics, we want to make a contribution to the church and its development. For synods, conferences and meetings, we offer presentations or workshops in which we make our expertise and current research fruitful for practice. We also regularly organise conferences and workshops in Halle.
Funding
The KÖW is funded by the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany (VELKD). It builds on the work of the VELKD Gemeindekolleg and continues this work with a new approach.
Team
Dr. Hanna Kauhaus
Dr. Ariane Schneider
Dr. Katharina Freudenberg
