Social cohesion in Europe is under enormous pressure. Polarization, loss of trust in institutions, digital bubbles, and the consequences of the war in Ukraine have weakened social bonds. This erosion has far-reaching consequences: relationships fall apart, loneliness is becoming a mass phenomenon, psychological stress is on the rise, and the emphasis on individual uniqueness is promoting narcissistic tendencies that make cooperation more difficult. The weaker the cohesion, the higher the cost of cooperation. This applies equally to Central, Eastern and Western Europe, albeit with different influencing factors. Each new crisis becomes harder to manage. Churches have enormous potential to connect people, promote trust and practice solidarity. Yet even the churches themselves face internal divisions or must contend with influences that threaten to pull them apart.
These topics are the focus of the 30th International Congress Renovabis, to which we warmly invite you to Freising and to our live stream. Under the title “Beyond Polarisation – Perspectives for Social Cohesion in East and West”, from 16 to 18 September 2026, a distinguished panel of speakers – including Cardinal Dr Mario Grech, Dr Volker Ullrich, Dr Regina Arant, Hugo Gloss, Don Damir Stojić, Anahit Mkhoyan, Bettina Locklair, Dr Sanda Smoljo-Dobrovoljski, Dr Toms Rostoks, Dr Christopher Koska, Dr Shkelzen Marku and Zbigniew Nosowski – invite you to listen to lectures and participate in panel discussions and in-depth dialogue groups.
Conference languages: German, English, Italian
In June 2026, further details regarding the conference programme and an online registration form will be made available here. We ask for your understanding that registration is not yet possible at this stage. If you require accommodation in Freising, please make your own enquiries in good time. In the download of the information box opposite, you will find a list of hotels where a number of rooms have been set aside for conference guests to book themselves.
The Freising Dialogue Award will be presented for the first time as part of the 30th International Congress Renovabis. This award honours individuals or initiatives that have made a significant contribution to social dialogue and the strengthening of cohesion in Europe. The award ceremony will take place on the evening of 16 September 2026 at 7 pm. Guests of the International Congress Renovabis are cordially invited to attend. Further information on the Freising Dialogue Award and how to submit nominations can be found at www.renovabis.de/dialogueaward.
Renovabis has been organising an annual international congress on behalf of the German Bishops' Conference since 1997. This event with participants from all parts of Europe serves to inform about and discuss important developments in church and society in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, and also addresses topics of pan-European importance. Over the years, the International Congress Renovabis has developed into an important forum for dialogue between people from the eastern and western parts of Europe.