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International Conference Bernd Jochen Hilberath Professor of Dogmatic Theology University of Tübingen, Germany Relations in the Community of Faithful Since the Extraordinary Roman Synod of Bishops in 1985, the ecclesiological discussion has focused on the notion of communion. Some see therein a concept that links together sameness and difference, autonomy and relationship. Others criticize a devaluation of the individual, the usurpation of the individual I by a giant we. Controversial is the question, to what extent the inner-trinitarian relationships can serve as a model for shaping the relationships within the Church and society. It becomes clear, that not only theological options but also personal experiences and preferences determine the stance taken. In this context, theological reflection has the task of clarifying: - what significance does the relationship take on in theological perspective? - what is common to the diverse relationships (God – man, marriage and family, community, parish, diocese, world church), wherein do they differ? I propose the following thesis for discussion: The relationships in the Church need not necessarily have a familial, friendship, or kinship character. On the other hand, they are not relations of a businesslike character either. Nevertheless I believe that, for the concrete life and for the survival of the believers, closer relationships are important: in such relationships the divine economy and the human relationships are more intimately interwoven: family, friendship. Bernd-Jochen Hilberath was born in 1948 in Bingen/Rhein, he is married and has 4 children. He studied philosophy and theology in Munich and Mainz, Germany, and received his Ph.D. in 1977 and his “Habilitation” in dogmatic and ecumenical theology in 1984 from the University of Mainz. He has taught at the University of Mainz as assistant of Prof. Theodor Schneider (1972-1984), and as professor at the Kath.-Theol.Seminar of the University of Marburg (1978-1981) and at the University of Mainz (1985-1989). From 1989-1992 he was professor of dogmatic and fundamental theology at the Katholische Fachhochschuhle in Mainz. Since 1992 he is professor of dogmatic theology at the Kath.-Theol. Fakultät, University of Tübingen (successor of Walter Kasper) . Since 1996 he is also the Direktor of the Institut for Ecumenical Research Tübingen (successor of Hans Küng). Personal website Conference Main Page | Theme | Travel Programme | Call for Papers | Information | |
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