Spiritual Abuse in Spiritual Communities: Theology and Responsibility in Regensburg
Date and Time
Location
Price
About this Event
Mood
Venue Type
Understanding Spiritual Abuse: Theology, Power, and Responsibility in Dialogue
Where faith strengthens people, community arises. However, where spiritual authority is abused, dependency, pressure on conscience, and deep wounds can occur. The lecture series at the University of Regensburg will focus on the topic of spiritual abuse in spiritual communities on November 11, 2026, and will provide an objective, theologically grounded space for understanding, processing, and prevention.
Theological and Institutional Conditioning Factors
The focus will be on the conditions and structures that can facilitate spiritual abuse. The event will inquire into the interplay of religious interpretations, community orders, leadership responsibility, and institutional dependencies. It will connect theological reflection with a critical analysis of power, trust, and spiritual guidance.
Lecture by Prof. Dr. Judith Könemann
The speaker is Prof. Dr. Judith Könemann from the University of Münster. She researches the structural conditions and mechanisms that enable spiritual abuse in religious communities. As part of the research project on spiritual abuse in spiritual communities, religious practices, theological beliefs, and anthropological concepts that can foster abusive dynamics have been examined.
Part of the Lecture Series Abuse in Institutions
The event is part of the public lecture series Abuse in Institutions. The series sheds light on sexual violence, spiritual abuse, and systemic dependencies from various professional perspectives. Contributions from theology, law, social work, prevention, and journalism lead to an interdisciplinary engagement with the conditions for emergence, power dynamics, and processing strategies.
Invitation to Students and Interested Public
The event is aimed at students of all disciplines and all interested individuals. The lecture will take place in lecture hall H18 at the University of Regensburg and can also be followed via Zoom. Registration is not required. Admission is free.
Conclusion: Knowledge Creates Protection and Orientation
Visitors can expect a focused theological and institutional analysis of a sensitive topic. The event combines expertise, a sense of responsibility, and an eye towards preventive pathways. Anyone wishing to reflect attentively on spiritual community, pastoral care, and church responsibility will experience here an important contribution to processing, protection, and credible spirituality.
