Professor Dr. Christine Wenona Hoffmann is the scientific director of the conference. She has been involved in the planning since last year and Goethe University Frankfurt is a partner of the conference.

About the person

Prof. Dr. Christine Wenona Hoffmann is Professor of Practical Theology at Goethe University in Frankfurt. After study visits to Heidelberg, Rome and Cambridge (UK), the ordained pastor and trained supervisor (DGSv) worked alongside her church ministry as managing director in the Department for Sermon Research at the University of Heidelberg, lecturer at the Protestant University in Freiburg and theological assistant to the Bishop of Baden.

As a practical theologian, Hoffmann is involved in the research and theoretical reflection of church action and religious practice. Her research focuses on diaconics and poimenics; political pastoral care; digital pastoral care practices and church transformation processes. The question of the (future) role and significance of the church(es) in society(s) is of central importance in all these considerations.

We are delighted to welcome Dr Michael Skaggs, Programme Director of the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab, for the opening lecture.

The title of his lecture on Monday at 6 pm:
"Civil Aviation and the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future: Care for those on the Way".

Dr Michael Skaggs is Programme Director and co-founder of the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab. He leads the Lab's education, training and networking initiatives. He is also the host, producer and editor of the Lab's public relations work. He sits on the advisory board of Transforming Chaplaincy and the advisory board of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Journal.

He trained as an American historian of religion at the University of Notre Dame, has a special interest in interreligious dialogue and works in innovative theological education programmes. His work has appeared in Sociology of Religion, International Journal of Maritime History, American Catholic Studies, U.S. Catholic Historian and Books & Culture, among others. Previously, he served as Communications Director for Transforming Chaplaincy and Programme Director for the North American Maritime Ministry Association.

Regional Bishop Professor Dr. Heike Springhart will give the keynote lecture on Wednesday at 3 pm.

The title of her presentation:

"Vulnerable Creation: Vulnerable Human Life between Risk and Tragedy"