“New life in old walls” Swiss monasteries and the turning point in the church
Panel guests: Abbot Christian Meyer, Dr. theol. lic. phil. eMBA Urban Fink-Wagner, Julia Neuenschwander, President of Mehrgenerationswohnen (www.erfahrbar.ch)
Moderator: Martin Spieler
After the panel discussion on August 13, 2025, “Transformation of the monastic landscape,” which specifically dealt with the Engelberg monastery, there was interest in continuing the discussions. We are pleased that the initiative “Thinking together about the future of monasteries” has received positive feedback from the Engelberg community and from people interested in culture and monasteries. Thus, we are pleased to invite you to another round of discussions. We have invited Dr. Urban Fink-Wagner, Julia Neuenschwander, and Abbot Christian Meyer. The moderation will be taken over by Martin Spieler. They will discuss with us the future, challenges, and changes in the monasteries: How can adaptation to new times be successful? They will also address the shaping of the future of church communities using the example of Engelberg monastery. Or how can experiences in times of significant change be adapted to the situation at Engelberg monastery?
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 discussions that practically and scientifically deal with the profound changes in a once-familiar monastic landscape. At the Theological University of Lucerne, he has 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 arisen from it. The book is intended to stimulate reflection and action in the best sense, following a three-step process: recognize what is happening – understand what it means – take responsibility for what is to come.
Julia Neuenschwander 1984, is a non-profit manager, speaker, consultant for community housing projects, politician, married, and has two children. She has been living in a shared apartment since 2018 and is the president of Mehrgenerationswohnen erfahrbar at Kloster Fahr (www.erfahrbar.ch). She has expertise and experience in the areas of communication, public relations, conflict management, fundraising, and change management. Her master’s thesis dealt with social entrepreneurship in Switzerland at the University of Freiburg. This brings a rich know-how.
Abbot Christian Meyer 1967, Engelberg Benedictine monastery. He graduated from high school there in 1987 and joined the Benedictine order in 1988. He was appointed pastor of Engelberg in 1996, 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, finance expert, and business journalist with his own TV format on several television stations in Switzerland as well as radio contributions on various channels. He has also been actively involved with the Engelberg monastery for many years.
Door opening 6:30 PM
Start 7:30 PM
Panel guests: Abbot Christian Meyer, Dr. theol. lic. phil. eMBA Urban Fink-Wagner, Julia Neuenschwander, President of Mehrgenerationswohnen (www.erfahrbar.ch)
Moderator: Martin Spieler
After the panel discussion on August 13, 2025, “Transformation of the monastic landscape,” which specifically dealt with the Engelberg monastery, there was interest in continuing the discussions. We are pleased that the initiative “Thinking together about the future of monasteries” has received positive feedback from the Engelberg community and from people interested in culture and monasteries. Thus, we are pleased to invite you to another round of discussions. We have invited Dr. Urban Fink-Wagner, Julia Neuenschwander, and Abbot Christian Meyer. The moderation will be taken over by Martin Spieler. They will discuss with us the future, challenges, and changes in the monasteries: How can adaptation to new times be successful? They will also address the shaping of the future of church communities using the example of Engelberg monastery. Or how can experiences in times of significant change be adapted to the situation at Engelberg monastery?
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 discussions that practically and scientifically deal with the profound changes in a once-familiar monastic landscape. At the Theological University of Lucerne, he has 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 arisen from it. The book is intended to stimulate reflection and action in the best sense, following a three-step process: recognize what is happening – understand what it means – take responsibility for what is to come.
Julia Neuenschwander 1984, is a non-profit manager, speaker, consultant for community housing projects, politician, married, and has two children. She has been living in a shared apartment since 2018 and is the president of Mehrgenerationswohnen erfahrbar at Kloster Fahr (www.erfahrbar.ch). She has expertise and experience in the areas of communication, public relations, conflict management, fundraising, and change management. Her master’s thesis dealt with social entrepreneurship in Switzerland at the University of Freiburg. This brings a rich know-how.
Abbot Christian Meyer 1967, Engelberg Benedictine monastery. He graduated from high school there in 1987 and joined the Benedictine order in 1988. He was appointed pastor of Engelberg in 1996, 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, finance expert, and business journalist with his own TV format on several television stations in Switzerland as well as radio contributions on various channels. He has also been actively involved with the Engelberg monastery for many years.
Door opening 6:30 PM
Start 7:30 PM
Dates
Good to know
Price info
Free admission
Contact person
Benediktinerkloster 1 6390 Engelberg
Benediktinerkloster 1
6390 Engelberg
Nearby
