The 28th Renovabis Congress, held from September 10-12, 2024, in Freising, Germany, gathered participants from across Europe to explore critical issues related to faith, secularization, and the role of civil society. The event, themed “Having a Mission – Bearing Credible Witness”, focused on how the Christian message can be positively received in an increasingly secular Europe, where religious indifference is growing, yet the desire for a fulfilling life remains universal.
The congress opened on Tuesday, September 10, with optional tours of the Bavarian State Exhibition at the Freising Diocesan Museum, followed by registration, an evening buffet, and a Byzantine-rite Vesper at St. George’s Parish Church. This service was led by Bishop Dr. Volodymyr Hrutsa from Ukraine and Bishop Wolfgang Bischof from Munich. The day concluded with the opening of the exhibition “Icons Against War”, featuring works by Ukrainian artists, symbolizing resistance to violence through art.
On Wednesday, September 11, the formal congress proceedings began. After a welcome by Renovabis CEO, Prof. Dr. Thomas Schwartz, and local dignitaries, participants delved into the central theme: how the church can respond to Europe’s faith crisis. Prof. Dr. Detlef Pollack from the University of Münster presented a keynote on the causes and backgrounds of the current crisis of faith and church attendance in Europe. This was followed by insights into religiosity and church life in Central and Eastern Europe, with speakers from Bulgaria, Kosovo, and Poland sharing their experiences.
The afternoon sessions featured various dialogue groups focusing on contemporary Christian challenges. Topics ranged from the therapeutic dimension of religiosity to the influence of digital media on the church’s outreach. These discussions provided opportunities for deeper engagement with issues such as environmental protection, social engagement, and the future of young people in the church.
Representing FIAC (International Forum of Catholic Action) and Catholic Action Romania, Codruța Fernea, the president of Catholic Action Romania, participated in the event. She was part of the discussion group focused on the theme – “Influencers in the Name of the Lord” – Church and Media Communication. In an increasingly digital world, the question arises: How can Christians bear personal witness to their faith today? The session featured two presentations by media experts, Dr. Victor Khroul and Brother Lukas Boving, a Benedictine monk. Together, participants discussed and debated how religious themes can be communicated authentically in today’s world, as well as the opportunities and challenges of the Church’s presence in the media. They explored the boundaries and effectiveness of transmitting biblical texts or evangelical messages without losing their authenticity through online platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and others.
The day ended with a public evening event featuring a theater performance and a panel discussion on “Where is God Today?” Experts from diverse backgrounds, including Dr. Yasemin El-Menouar from the Bertelsmann Foundation and Bishop Tomáš Holub from the Czech Republic, explored how faith and religion can provide hope in a crisis-driven world.
On Thursday, September 12, after morning Mass, the congress continued with an address by Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia on the global future of Christianity. A final panel discussed hopeful perspectives for the church’s role in Europe, emphasizing that, despite the challenges, faith remains a source of hope and salvation.
