International Conference “Navigating Polarization and Fostering Civic Engagement through Education”

The event explored, from various perspectives and in different formats, the role that democratic and religious education can play in addressing tendencies toward polarization in society. 

The SIG 19 coordination team—which includes Dr. Inkeri Rissanen from Tampere University (Finland), Frederike Gabelt from TU Dortmund, and Dr. Sarah Delling—organized its first joint conference in Kristiansand together with the SIG 13 coordinators. The Department of Catholic Religious Education at the University of Siegen was represented at the conference with two presentations: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Riegel presented a paper on the topic “Auratic Response to a Virtual Church and Corresponding Physical Church,” while Dr. Sarah Delling contributed to the academic program with a response during the symposium on the topic “Controversy in Religious Education as a Concept to Navigate Polarization.”

In addition to the inspiring and thought-provoking academic presentations, the cultural program was also a highlight. Among the highlights were a boat trip through the Norwegian archipelago and a visit to the Kilden Performing Arts Center in Kristiansand.