Theme
Globally, religious adherence is increasing, while in Western contexts, church attendance is declining, and Christianity seems to be disappearing from the public sphere. Governments guarantee freedom of religion, but the traditional folk church does not resonate well with secularized younger generations. What remains is a variety of Christian expressions: ecumenical forms of cooperation, Christian migrant churches, charismatic renewal movements, and alternative religious movements, each with their own mission. How can established churches align their mission with the moral and existential questions of new generations, their needs for quality of life, and spiritual enrichment? What role does the government play in this as a protector of religious freedom? And how can secular universities contribute to this? Those familiar with European history know that answers to such questions vary by region and culture. This challenges missiology: what should its knowledge priorities be for a church that is de-institutionalizing, a culture that is individualizing, and a society that is becoming more pluralistic?
Keynote by professor Henning Wrogemann
This is the theme of a symposium organized by the Nijmegen Institute for Mission Studies (NIM) on Friday, November 29, at Huize Heyendael, Radboud University Nijmegen. We are pleased that Professor Dr. Henning Wrogemann, affiliated with the Kirchliche Hochschule Wuppertal, has agreed to deliver a keynote titled, "Secular University, Multireligious Society, Declining Churches: On the Tasks and Limits of Intercultural Theology." He is the author of a three-part standard work on intercultural theology. This keynote will be followed by a response from NIM researcher Dr. Duncan Wielzen, with contributions from Dr. Jan Eijken and Dr. Andrea Damacena-Martins, titled, "Intercultural Challenges for Mission in a Post-Secular Society." The afternoon will conclude with a panel discussion, offering an opportunity for audience engagement on the theme. The language of the symposium will be English.
Programme
13.30 Arrival
14.00 Welcome (Prof. Dr. Hans Schilderman)
14.15 Keynote by Prof. Dr. Henning Wrogemann.
15.00 Audience reactions
15.30 Break
15.45 Presentation by Dr. Duncan Wielzen
16.30 Panel Discussion. Moderator: Prof. Dr. Hans Schilderman
17.00 Discussion and Closing