International Collaboration
Learning from the US Church; Seeing the German Church Anew
CrossingOver, a cross-Atlantic dialogue between Ruhr University Bochum and Loyola University Chicago, works with lay and ordained pastoral ministers in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and six dioceses in Germany (Aachen, Essen, Hamburg, Hildesheim, Muenster, and Osnabruck). Now in its sixth year, CrossingOver supports a collaborative exchange between the Catholic Church in Germany and the United States.
It is a fact: our parishes here in Germany as well as those in the USA are between crisis and renewal. Obviously, the internal and ex- ternal conditions for the local development of our Church change rapidly and extensively, so critical reflection is necessary. CrossingOver not only supports the reflection process, but also shapes it in its own way. Through a pastoral exchange program, theological studies, and local project sponsored in German dioceses through the Lighthouse project (which encourage German implementation of practices discovered in the US Church), a vital network has been established. In formal and informal settings, the exchange continues to generate information as it fosters inspiration for pastoral academics and practitioners on both sides of the Atlantic.
The rich transatlantic dialogue informs not only the theology, but has great potential to impact the shape and the future of the Catholic parish in both countries. This brochure highlights the speakers, to- pics and schedules of the congress. Please note the change between plenary sessions and workshops.
The project encourages understanding local Church settings as “classrooms” that can foster among us renewal, insight, inspiration, shared appreciation, and new action.
You can learn more about CrossingOver on the web at: www.crossingover.de.
