“New Life in Old Walls” Swiss Monasteries and the Turning Point in the Church
Panel Guests: Abbot Christian Meyer, Dr. Urban Fink-Wagner (Historian, Theologian, Author), Julia Neuenschwander, (President of Mehrgenerationenwohnen www.erfahrbar.ch)
Moderation: Martin Spieler
After the panel discussion on August 13, 2025, “Transformation of the Monastic Landscape,” which specifically addressed the Engelberg Monastery, interest was expressed in continuing the conversations. We are pleased that the initiative “Thinking Together About the Future of the Monasteries” has received positive feedback from the Engelberg community and those interested in culture and monasteries. Thus, we are happy to engage you in another round of discussions. We have invited Dr. Urban Fink-Wagner, Julia Neuenschwander, and Abbot Christian Meyer. The moderation will be handled by Martin Spieler. They will discuss the future, challenges, and changes in the monasteries with us: How can adaptation to new times succeed? They will also illuminate the shaping of the future of church communities, using the example of the Engelberg Monastery. Or how can experiences be adapted to the situation at Engelberg Monastery in times of significant change?
Dr. theol. lic. phil. Urban Fink-Wagner 1961, is the managing director of the Roman Catholic aid organization Inländische Mission, Zofingen. He is a co-initiator of methodologically diverse conversations that deal practically and scientifically with the profound changes in a once-familiar monastic landscape. At the Theological University of Lucerne, he addressed this topic with 12 interdisciplinary expert groups in the context of two conferences (2022 and 2023). This year, 2025, the book titled “New Life in Old Walls - Swiss Monasteries and the Turning Point in the Church” has emerged from this. The book aims to stimulate thought and action in the best sense, following a three-step process: recognizing what is happening – understanding what it means – taking responsibility for what is to come.
Julia Neuenschwander 1984, is a nonprofit manager, speaker, advisor for community housing projects, politician, married, and has two children. She has lived in a shared community since 2018 and is the president of Mehrgenerationenwohnen erfahrbar (www.erfahrbar.ch) at the Kloster Fahr. She has expertise and experience in communication, public relations, conflict management, fundraising, and change management. Her master's thesis focused on social entrepreneurship in Switzerland at the University of Fribourg. Thus, she brings a wealth of know-how.
Abbot Christian Meyer 1967, Engelberg Benedictine Monastery. He graduated from high school there in 1987 and joined the Benedictine Order in 1988. In 1996, he was appointed pastor of Engelberg, and on November 27, 2010, he was elected as the 59th Abbot of the Engelberg Benedictine Monastery.
Martin Spieler 1964, is a long-time editor-in-chief, financial expert, and business journalist with his own TV format on several television stations in Switzerland and radio contributions on various channels. For many years, he has also been active for the Engelberg Monastery.
Door opening 6:30 PM
Start 7:30 PM
Panel Guests: Abbot Christian Meyer, Dr. Urban Fink-Wagner (Historian, Theologian, Author), Julia Neuenschwander, (President of Mehrgenerationenwohnen www.erfahrbar.ch)
Moderation: Martin Spieler
After the panel discussion on August 13, 2025, “Transformation of the Monastic Landscape,” which specifically addressed the Engelberg Monastery, interest was expressed in continuing the conversations. We are pleased that the initiative “Thinking Together About the Future of the Monasteries” has received positive feedback from the Engelberg community and those interested in culture and monasteries. Thus, we are happy to engage you in another round of discussions. We have invited Dr. Urban Fink-Wagner, Julia Neuenschwander, and Abbot Christian Meyer. The moderation will be handled by Martin Spieler. They will discuss the future, challenges, and changes in the monasteries with us: How can adaptation to new times succeed? They will also illuminate the shaping of the future of church communities, using the example of the Engelberg Monastery. Or how can experiences be adapted to the situation at Engelberg Monastery in times of significant change?
Dr. theol. lic. phil. Urban Fink-Wagner 1961, is the managing director of the Roman Catholic aid organization Inländische Mission, Zofingen. He is a co-initiator of methodologically diverse conversations that deal practically and scientifically with the profound changes in a once-familiar monastic landscape. At the Theological University of Lucerne, he addressed this topic with 12 interdisciplinary expert groups in the context of two conferences (2022 and 2023). This year, 2025, the book titled “New Life in Old Walls - Swiss Monasteries and the Turning Point in the Church” has emerged from this. The book aims to stimulate thought and action in the best sense, following a three-step process: recognizing what is happening – understanding what it means – taking responsibility for what is to come.
Julia Neuenschwander 1984, is a nonprofit manager, speaker, advisor for community housing projects, politician, married, and has two children. She has lived in a shared community since 2018 and is the president of Mehrgenerationenwohnen erfahrbar (www.erfahrbar.ch) at the Kloster Fahr. She has expertise and experience in communication, public relations, conflict management, fundraising, and change management. Her master's thesis focused on social entrepreneurship in Switzerland at the University of Fribourg. Thus, she brings a wealth of know-how.
Abbot Christian Meyer 1967, Engelberg Benedictine Monastery. He graduated from high school there in 1987 and joined the Benedictine Order in 1988. In 1996, he was appointed pastor of Engelberg, and on November 27, 2010, he was elected as the 59th Abbot of the Engelberg Benedictine Monastery.
Martin Spieler 1964, is a long-time editor-in-chief, financial expert, and business journalist with his own TV format on several television stations in Switzerland and radio contributions on various channels. For many years, he has also been active for the Engelberg Monastery.
Door opening 6:30 PM
Start 7:30 PM
Dates
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Price info
Free admission
Contact person
Benediktinerkloster 1 6390 Engelberg
Benediktinerkloster 1
6390 Engelberg
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