Research with an Impact? European Gathering in Halle

“How can our Research make an Impact on Church Development?”

On March 23–24, 2026, approximately 30 researchers from seven countries gathered to explore this question. Through workshops, discussions, and short presentations, they exchanged ideas on how the interplay between academic research and church practice can be conceived and shaped. Who is the target audience for this research, and how are they involved? Does storytelling help communicate research findings in a more accessible way? And what understanding of practical theology underlies such approaches?

The diversity of national backgrounds and research traditions fostered an inspiring meeting. We hope for another meeting next year!

Programme 2026

Bishops’ Conference VELKD

How can the church be rethought and redesigned if it is consistently understood as church in a secular society? How can international and ecumenical perspectives be helpful? Dr. Hanna Kauhaus from the Research Unit for Church and Community Theory (KÖW) on March 17th presented at the closed meeting of the Bishops’ Conference of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany (VELKD) the research center’s projects. The bishops, including guests from Eastern and Northern European countries, exchanged views on the internal organization of the church and its political and social role. You can find further impressions here.

Das Bild zeigt Hanna Kauhaus, wie sie ihren Vortrag zu "Kirche in der Säkularität" bei der Bischofskonferenz der VELKD hält. Sie steht links von der von ihr präsentierten Powerpoint-Präsentation.