22.04.2026 Dynamics of the Religious

“Children of Abraham? Aspects of an Interreligious Trialogue in Past and Present.”

On 23 and 24 April 2026, a fest colloquium entitled “Dynamics of the Religious: On the Relationship between Religion and Social Change in the Middle Ages” will take place in Münster as part of the Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics.” The conference is dedicated to the 60th birthday of Wolfram Drews and brings together numerous renowned scholars from various disciplines.

At the heart of the event is the question of how religion, as a dynamic factor, has shaped processes of social transformation in the Middle Ages. Particular attention will be given to interreligious exchange processes, cultural entanglements, and transcultural perspectives.

A special contribution will be made by Prof. Dr. Albrecht Fuess (CNMS, Philipps University of Marburg), who will deliver a lecture on Friday, 24 April, entitled
“Children of Abraham? Aspects of an Interreligious Trialogue in Past and Present.”

In his contribution, he explores the historical and contemporary dimensions of interreligious dialogue between the Abrahamic religions and relates them to current societal debates.

The event provides an important platform for interdisciplinary exchange on religion as a driving force of social change and underlines the relevance of medieval studies research for current issues.