On 1 July, the BaFID team welcomed distinguished visitors from Heilsbronn: Ms Hensel and Dr Belz from the Centre for Religious Education (RPZ) were visiting Erlangen to further strengthen the existing partnership between the two institutions.
The focus of the in-depth discussion was on how both sides could make even more effective use of their respective strengths and networks for each other’s benefit in future. The BaFID team took the opportunity to present the new research project “Religions for Democracy”. The RPZ signalled its willingness to provide valuable support, particularly with regard to nationwide networking and specifically targeting opinion leaders in the education sector.
In return, BaFID will contribute its academic expertise to the practice of religious education. One concrete outcome of the meeting is BaFID’s planned involvement in a comprehensive teacher training programme in June 2027. Workshops will address highly topical and sensitive social issues – ranging from questions about gender roles, democracy and social participation to the complex relationship between religious claims to truth and modern tolerance.
The meeting has once again demonstrated just how fruitful the dialogue between cutting-edge university research and educational practice is. Both institutions are looking forward with great anticipation to their upcoming joint projects.