Catholic University of Croatia at the 30th Renovabis Congress

Renovabis, the foundation of the German Bishops’ Conference, organized its 30th international congress, held on Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, in Freising. During the two-day gathering, participants discussed the causes of social divisions, the consequences of polarization, and ways of building a society in which differences do not become a source of new divisions.

The anniversary congress, entitled “Beyond Polarization - Perspectives for Social Cohesion in East and West”, brought together more than 200 participants from 26 countries.

This year’s Renovabis Congress was also attended by Croatian representatives, as well as representatives of various institutions of the Catholic Church from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and North Macedonia. Participants in panels and dialogues included Associate Professor Ana Jeličić, PhD, from the Centre for the Ethics of Digital Communication and Algorethics at the Catholic Faculty of Theology of the University of Split; Salesian priest Fr. Damir Stojić; Sanda Smoljo-Dobrovoljski, PhD, from the Catholic Faculty of Theology of the University of Zagreb; and Rev. Šimo Maršić, PhD, Director of the Archdiocesan Youth Pastoral Centre John Paul II in Sarajevo. Among the participants were also Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia Professor Željko Tanjić, PhD; Tomislav Markić, PhD, Director of the Office for the Pastoral Care of Croats Abroad; and Fr. Petar Klapež, Delegate for the Croatian Catholic Missions in Germany.

On this occasion, Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia Professor Željko Tanjić, PhD, presented Professor Thomas Schwartz, PhD, Director of Renovabis and honorary doctor of the Catholic University of Croatia, with a commemorative plaque marking the 20th anniversary of the University’s establishment and recognizing his contribution to its development.

Thirty years after the first Renovabis Congress in Freising in 1997, many of the issues discussed at the time remain highly relevant today, according to Rev. Thomas Schwartz, PhD, Managing Director of Renovabis, in his opening remarks at the Congress.

“Today, we continue to witness profound social changes,” Rev. Schwartz said, pointing to the polarization of society, declining trust in institutions, digital echo chambers, and the consequences of wars and crises that place additional strain on social cohesion. The participants were also welcomed by Archbishop Heiner Koch of Berlin.

Among the participants was Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops. In his address, he called for a renewal of communion in a world facing deep divisions. Speaking about the need to rebuild together following experiences of division and conflict, he emphasized that in “a wounded world that risks losing its humanity”, we should not resign ourselves to the existing “ruins”, but instead rebuild together. “We must understand diversity as a strength and make listening and dialogue the common foundation upon which justice and fraternity can grow,” he said.

The first day of the Congress concluded with a solemn Holy Mass in Freising Cathedral. Cardinal Grech presided over the Mass, while Archbishop Koch delivered the homily.

Through workshops, dialogue groups, and panel discussions, participants explored various aspects of social polarization. Topics included nonviolent communication, the search for truth in the digital sphere, and Christian responsibility for ensuring the inclusion of all members of society.

Slovak sociologist Hugo Gloss from Bratislava warned of the risk that societies lacking a sufficient sense of cohesion could divide into a form of “modern tribes”. He spoke about “bubbles of values and attitudes” in which people increasingly communicate only with those who share their views. Such isolation further complicates mutual understanding and dialogue between different social groups.

The role of Churches in societies marked by division was also discussed during a panel dedicated to the relationship between unity and diversity. Croatian theologian and peace activist Ana Raffai warned that society often lacks a culture of dealing constructively with conflict. According to Raffai, conflicts should not be suppressed but openly acknowledged and transformed into dialogue.

The role of politics in strengthening social cohesion was addressed by Volker Ullrich, Director of the Federal Agency for Civic Education. He emphasized that politics alone cannot impose either social cohesion or civic engagement. “This must come from society itself, from people who believe that community and commitment to others – in the best sense of the words, solidarity and Caritas - are important,” Ullrich said.

Concluding the two-day Congress, Renovabis Managing Director Rev. Schwartz emphasized that social cohesion is not merely a subject of academic analysis and political debate, but begins with the individual.

“It begins with each and every one of us. The question of how we listen, how we respond to different views, how we take responsibility and build bridges is a task we take with us from this Congress,” he said.

The next International Renovabis Congress will take place in Berlin from September 22 to 24, 2027, according to Živa zajednica.