Latest News

Review of the Book "Israel trägt die Kirche"

(November 2019)

The Journal "Bibel und Kirche" (Bible and Church) brings in the fourth issue of the current year 2019 a review of the book by Hans Hermann Henrix: "Israel trägt die Kirche. Zur Theologie der Beziehung von Kirche und Judentum (Israel bears the Church. On the Theology of the Relationship between Church and Judaism)". The author understands the title of the book as "a challenging 'definition against the weight of historical experience'". The review concludes: "Henrix takes up theologically central and at the same time explosive topics with an unerring sense. He offers... exciting insights into 'theological construction sites'. All this shows how creative Christian theology becomes when it engages in a serious encounter with the 'other'".

Adalbert lectures in Berlin with Gesine Schwan

(November 2019)

"The topic of German-Polish relations has occupied me all my life" - this is how Prof. Gesine Schwan began her lecture in framework of the Adalbert Lectures. The Adalbert Foundation continued the series on 12th November 2019 and this time in cooperation with the Berlin Wall Foundation. In the Visitor Centre of the Berlin Wall Memorial, the speaker, who has a reputation as an "uncompromising thinker", stated: "Poles have always thought further than the people in Germany. For the relations between Germany and Poland, the government is "not everything. Civil society is very important.” If something is to lead to real understanding, then the involvement of the people is decisive. In the discussion, moderated by Hans Hermann Henrix, both approving and critical votes were expressed. At a subsequent reception, the guests continued their lively and committed discussions - among themselves and with Gesine Schwan, who was able to discuss a wide range of aspects in German-Polish relations based on her experience as “Poland Commissioner of the Federal Government” for several years and as a scholar of political theory.

Lecture Course "Adalbert Lectures" in Berlin:

(September 2019)

The Krefeld Adalbert Foundation is continuing its efforts to promote German-Polish relations with a new form of event. The “Adalbert Lectures”, which Prof. Hans Hermann Henrix guides and moderates, will take place in Berlin. The first two meetings were held in the Berlin House of Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. At the first event, the Polish Ambassador Prof. Dr. Andrzej Przyłębski gave a critical analysis of these relationships, rich in aspects. Dr. Stefan Szwed from the University of Oxford gave a versatile assessment of these relationships at the second lecture. Germany and Poland often disagree on international issues. At the same time, there are impressive achievements. Since Poland joined the EU, Germany has become Poland's most important trading partner.

The next “Adalbert Lecture” will take place on November 12 at the center of the Berlin Wall Memorial. Prof. Gesine Schwan, long time official co-Ordinator for cooperation with Poland, will critically incorporate her rich scientific and political activities into her analysis and perspective on cooperation in German-Polish relations.

To the Report (in german)

New Publication "Israel trägt die Kirche"

(July 2019)

In its series "Forum Christen und Juden" the LIT publishing house has published as Volume 17 the book "Israel trägt die Kirche. Zur Theologie der Beziehung von Kirche und Judentum (Israel bears the Church. On the theology of the relationship between church and Judaism)" by Hans Hermann Henrix.

The statement of the title "Israel bears the Church" is opposed by important arguments from history and theology. For many centuries the theological tradition was marked by hostile attitudes towards Judaism. Its dark beacon is the Shoah. And yet it is part of the Christian identity to have a reference to Israel. The decisive change in the relationship between Christianity and Judaism took place with the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) and its Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian religions "Nostra Aetate" of October 28, 1965. More than fifty years later, the look at its reception and continuation in Western and Eastern Europe can reveal an astonishing development. The popes are important actors. There have been unexpected statements from Orthodox Judaism about the relationship to Christianity. In Christian theology, the Jewish has been given its place. Among the basic themes of the theology, the question of God’s presence in Israel and in the incarnation has central weight. And the hardly noticed Jewish criticism of the spirit can be read as a place of learning of Christian speech of the Holy Spirit. Well founded is an "outlook" with the thesis "The theological updating of 'Nostra Aetate' continues.”

Festschrift for Johann Baptist Metz published on his 90th birthday

(September 2018)

An unusual commemorative publication was dedicated to the great theologian Johann Baptist Metz on his 90th birthday. The title: "Theologie in gefährdeter Zeit. Stichworte von nahen und fernen Weggefährten für Johann Baptist Metz zum 90. Geburtstag“. The Festschrift is unusual - on the one hand because of its 575 pages and on the other hand because of the content radius of about 150 individual contributions. Both express the esteem in which the world-renowned Christian theologian is held. In his Festschrift contribution, Hans Hermann Henrix focuses particularly on the references of Metz's theology to Jewish authors.

Discussion Group "Jews and Christians"

(March 2018)

The presidium of the Central Committee of German Catholics has decided to continue the discussion group "Jews and Christians" for another period of office until 2021. This internationally recognized board of Jewish and Christian members is dedicated to deepen the relationship between the Church and the Jewish people. It contributes to the “Katholikentage” (German Catholic Conventions), provides ideas for the presentation of Jews and Judaism in preaching, instruction and education and publishes declarations on the theological foundations of Jewish-Christian dialogue and current controversies. The Presidium of the Central Committee has invited Prof. Hans Hermann Henrix to continue his work in the discussion group.

Cardinal Miloslav Vlk - buried with high participation of the European public in the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague:

(March 2017)

The long-standing Archbishop of Prague, Miloslav Cardinal Vlk, died on 18 March 2017 at the age of 84 years. In a moving liturgical celebration in the crowded St. Vitus Cathedral on March 25, the church and the Czech public took leave of this outstanding personality. Cardinal Vlk has worked for the European integration of the Czech Republic. He vigorously advocated the reconciliation of Czechs and Germans. His merits were honored several times, including with the Cultural Award of Charles IV of the Cultural Association Aachen – Prague in 2010. Prof. Henrix had given the honoric speech in Aachen. And he took part in the burial celebration in the Cathedral of Prague.


Enlighten errors - Understand the Judaism. An international group of scholars works to the basis:

(March 2017)


A volume “Von Abba bis Zorn Gottes (From Abba to Wrath of God)” was published on behalf of the discussion group "Jews and Christians" at the Central Committee of German Catholics. Prof. Hans Hermann Henrix was one of the contributors to the book on the elucidation of errors and prejudices.

In the past decades it has come to a basic reflection of the Churches in their relationship to Judaism. Nevertheless, old ideas are still to be found in the parishes and at the faithful - whether it is the idea of the "angry God" in the Old Testament or the prejudiced understanding of the "Pharisees". The volume clears up briefly, precisely and comprehensibly, under 57 topics from A to Z, and offers surprising insights into the Bible and the relationship between Christianity and Judaism.

Contacts Updated and Knowledge of Jewish Pluralism Deepened. Experiences of the Presidium of the Central Committee of Catholics (ZdK) in Jerusalem:

(December 2016)


As a member of the ZdK-Discussion Group “Jews and Christians” Prof. Henrix took part in the journey of the ZdK-Presidium from 30 October to 3 November 2016 to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The focus of the trip was to update the contacts with personalities and institutions involved in Jewish-Christian dialogue in Israel, to deepen the knowledge of the pluralism of Judaism and to strengthen Christians in the Holy Land. The meetings and discussions intensified dialogue, understanding, trust and mutual respect. An emotional highlight of the journey was the wreath ceremony by the Jewish-Catholic delegation in the Memorial Hall of the International Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem by ZdK President Prof. Dr. Thomas Sternberg, Dagmar Mensink, Chairman of the Group, and Rabbi Edward van Voolen. The rabbi spoke for the delegation the Kaddish, the Jewish prayer for the dead.

Further Review of "Encouragement from strange sources. Encounters with personalities from Judaism and Christianity":

(April 2016)


The „Freiburger Rundbrief“, a Magazine for Christian-Jewish Encounter, publishes in its second issue of 2016 a review of “Encouragement from strange sources”. In his review Simon Lauer, many years professor at the Institute for Jewish-Christian Studies at the University of Lucerne, appreciates some personality sketches in the book. His summary judgement: "Hans Hermann Henrix has given us with this volume a wealth of personalities and ideas, which is not so quick to exhaust."


Kathpress Interview during a Guest Lecture at the University of Vienna:

(January 2016)

A guest lecture of Prof. Hans Hermann Henrix at the University of Vienna Catholic Theological was for the Catholic Press Agency Austria the occasion of an interview about the relationship between the Catholic Church and Judaism. The tendency of the interview statements was summarized in the headline: "Theologian sees major progress in the dialogue Church - Judaism". Church and Christianity are unthinkable without a positive basic relation to the Judaism. Nevertheless, this attitude is a novelty in the history of the Church. Judaism was faced hostile over a long period of the past. Henrix explained the trend and central statements of the two documents, which were inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of the Second Vatican Council about the attitude of the Church to Non-Christian Religions. On December 10, 2015 the Vatican Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews had published theological reflections. For the Commission “the Catholic church does not envisage any institutional mission towards the Jews”. A week earlier, a group of about 30 Orthodox rabbis had presented on December 3, 2015, a document, which recognizes theologically the Church in a positive tone. Christianity is neither an accident nor an error, "but the willed divine outcome and gift to the nations".

Courses on the Conciliar Declaration "Nostra Aetate" go further:

(January 2016)

The series of lectures and seminars on the 50th anniversary of the declaration of the Second Vatican Council on the relation of the Church to Non-Christian religions "Nostra Aetate" of October 28, 1965, will be continued in the new year. The Institute of Practical Theology of the Catholic Theological Faculty of the University of Vienna organizes a seminar and a lecture on 11 and 12 January 2016; Prof. Henrix is invited as guest speaker. And the Department of Catholic Theology of the University of Siegen offers in the current winter semester a series of seminars on the history of the relationship between Christianity and Judaism; in its framework Prof. Henrix will give a lecture on 22 January about Jewish reactions to the Council and its historical impact.

Review (October 2015):

Christ in the mirror of other religions

The question "Is there a presence of Jesus Christ in the non-Christian religions?" is the headline of the review in the weekly magazine "Christ in der Gegenwart (Christian in the Present)". Werner Trutwin, the reviewer, comes to the conclusion: “The book is inspiring, especially for religiously and theologically interested readers and gives those who sometimes wonder what is actually still new in the theology, an insightful answer".

 

Benoit Standaert OSB, a Belgian New Testament scholar with extensive inter-religious experience, reviewed the book for the magazine "Kirche und Israel (Church and Israel)" under the heading "The special book". He said among other things: The author is engaged "with his experience in the ‘first’ Dialogue [namely with Judaism] also in the encounter with other religions ... The key to this basic attitude is to be not afraid to mention what sets us apart and even separates, and at the same time to find out, what might connect us”. The book leads to" to care with empathy for the Christ who lives in the other religions. This is a new ‘vocation', which is to practice in the church. The challenge is there, namely every day... worldwide in the media of today. Henrix opens a gap and provides an invigorating paradox: to live together, without hiding the differences and yet always more appreciating that what brings people closer each other".


Demands by the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of the Council's Declaration "Nostra Aetate"

(September 2015)


The Second Vatican Council promulgated on October 28, 1965 the Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian Religions "Nostra Aetate" (“In our Time”) - a document which particularly in the relationship to Judaism led to fundamental developments and to an intense process of reception. One expression of this development is that a number of theological faculties or institutes of theology arrange symposia, consultations and seminars to this occasion - so after consultations of the theological faculties Bonn and Graz last year now in the next few months faculties or institutes Würzburg, Augsburg and Oldenburg.

Prof. Henrix is asked for contributions to the genesis and historical impact of the Council's Declaration. As a member of the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews of the German Bishops' Conference, he also participates in a Rome visit of the Commission on 9th and 10th September. The Commission will visit the Roman synagogue and has a conversation with Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni. At a meeting with the German ambassador to the Holy See, Annette Schavan, the delegation will examine current issues in the field of faith, church and politics. And with representatives of the Pontifical Biblical Institute the group will exchange perspectives of the further reception of "Nostra Aetate" in the church and theology as well as by the faithful.

Meeting with Cardinal Karl Lehmann on April 29th in Mainz:


As part of his responsibility as a member of the Advisory Board of the International Martin-Buber-Foundation Professor Henrix had prepared a meeting of the Executive Board and the Advisory Board of the foundation with Cardinal Karl Lehmann on 29 April 2015 in Mainz. The Aim of the Foundation is to support the International Council of Christians and Jews. The Foundation is headquartered in the Martin Buber House (see photo) in Heppenheim. Heppenheim belongs under ecclesial aspect to the diocese of Mainz. Thus the wishes of the encounter were the maintaining the relationship with the Diocese of Mainz and with its bishop. Cardinal Lehmann appeared optimally informed about the current status of the relationship between the Churches and the Jewish community. He expressed his interest in the projects and perspectives of the International Council of Christians and Jews.


Teaching at the Danube University Krems:


The Danube University Krems - an Austrian university for continuing education - invited Professor Hans Hermann Henrix to take the responsibility together with Prof. Dr. Daniel Krochmalnik of the “Hochschule für Jüdische Studien” (University of Jewish Studies, Heidelberg) for a course on "Introduction to the Jewish-Christian dialogue" from the 23rd to 25th April 2015 in Heidelberg. Most of the 20 students of the course were Christians. Also Jewish and Muslim students participated in the Master's program for interreligious dialogue. Neighbor of a protestant religious educator was for example an Imam, and the Catholic professor of pastoral theology was next to the Jewish journalist. Prof. Henrix talked about the burden of history which began with the parting of the ways between Judaism and Christianity and culminated in the Shoah. Even more surprising is the process of reversion and renewal, which was explained by Professor Henrix with the genesis and content of the declaration of the Second Vatican Council on the relation of the Church to Non-Christian religions from 28 October 1965. Other topics of his lectures included the extrapolation of the Council's Declaration by the Magisterium and theology.


Moderation of a meeting of representatives of the Churches and Judaism in Ludwigshafen



Representatives of the German Bishops' Conference, the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), the General and the Orthodox Rabbinical Conference met on March 9, 2015 in Ludwigshafen. Prof. Hans Hermann Henrix moderated their exchange. The bishops and theologians of the Churches and the rabbis took stock of the Christian-Jewish relations and exchanged considerations for the future development - 50 years after the Declaration "Nostra Aetate" of Vatican II, 40 years after the document of the EKD "Jews and Christians I" and 15 years after the Jewish statement on Christians and Christianity "Dabru Emet ". The German Coordinating Council for Christian-Jewish Cooperation had initiated the tradition of this meeting of 2006. The meeting of Ludwigshafen was the tenth meeting of this tradition.

 

 

A press release of the Bishops’ Conference summarized the exchange: "The interlocutors reckoned the stable and trusting relationships between Church leaders and representatives of Jewish organizations among the positive developments, which have proven themselves in conflictual phases. Specifically the work of over 80 cooperation organisations was appreciated for Christian-Jewish cooperation. In no other country there are so close contacts at the local level between Jews and Christians.

However, desiderata remain. The participants stressed accordingly: It depends in future on it, to spread the knowledge of the Christian-Jewish dialogue even stronger in the municipalities and to anchor in the education of theologians. Above all the younger generation must be won for cooperation. Here, for example, joint social projects could be attractive.

 

An important subject of the meeting was the anti-Semitism which is clearly noticeable in Germany. Bishop Heinrich Mussinghoff (Aachen) and the President of the Council of the EKD, Bishop Dr. Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, emphasized the joint responsibility of the churches to take position in the municipalities and the general public against anti-Semitic prejudices and to educate about old and new forms of anti-Semitism in school teaching or in youth work. The Jewish daily life is a seismograph for the liberal and civil constitution of a society. "


New Publication (December, 2014):

The LIT-Verlag presents in the series "Forum Christians and Jews" as volume 12 the title "Christ in the Mirror of Other Religions" by Hans Hermann Henrix


The blurb comments the subject and the content of the new book as follows: "The tradition of depreciation and rejection of other religions belongs to Christianity. But for the Catholic Church the Second Vatican Council has established a more open attitude in its Declaration on the Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions ‘Nostra Aetate’ on October 28, 1965. The new attitude includes an attention to whether and how an interest in Jesus Christ encounters in other religions. Is there something like a presence of Jesus Christ in other religions? Would it be a strange Christ, who nevertheless can become a spiritual encouragement or call to Christian faithful?

‘Christ in other religions’ would like to understand other religions as ‘resonating cavities’ to Christian message - particularly Judaism, Islam and Hinduism, and Buddhism. It would like to dignify these religions as foreign places of encounter with Christ." 


The book is the result of a lecture series which Prof. Henrix has delivered in the summer semester 2013 as visiting professor at the Catholic-Theological Faculty of the University of Salzburg. It has 184 pages and can be ordered through bookstores or online



Participation in a lecture series of the new degree program "Catholic Theology" at the University of Hamburg (September 6, 2014):


A newly established degree program "Catholic theology" begins with the winter semester 2014/15 at the University of Hamburg. Professor Dr. Christine Büchner is the Institutional Director. She has planned a lecture series entitled "Theology in Conversation" as an element for the installation of the Institute and for a prestige advertising of the Catholic theology. In the context of the lecture series Prof. Hans Hermann Henrix will talk about "Christianity and the Church not without Judaism - Theology in Conversation with the Religions: Jewish-Christian Dialogue Today" on November 6, 2014.


Contribution to a "Young Leadership Conference" in Berlin (July 2014):


In Berlin, the "Young Leadership Conference" of the Vatican Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews and the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations took place from 30 June to 3 July 2014. The participating 50 Jewish and Catholic young leaders came from Argentina, Bosnia, Brazil, Germany, England, Israel, Italy, Croatia, Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary and the United States. They dealt, inter alia, with the role of religion in civil society, with current tendencies of Anti-Semitism, but also with threats to Christians and attacks on churches and with religious contributions to peaceful coexistence. Prof. Henrix spoke about the deepening of the dialogue and increasing communication. His co-lecturer was Rabbi Daniel Polish from New York.


Participation in two research colloquia (April 26th, 2014):


In view of the next year's 50th anniversary of the Declaration of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions "Nostra Aetate" two Catholic theological faculties in the German-speaking area have performed research colloquia. Their concern was to analyze the status and progress of theological work on the relationship of the Church to Judaism since the Council. The Bonn faculty presented its Colloquium March 10 and 11 under the theme: "Nostra Aetate 4. A Lasting Irritation of the Theological Disciplines?". And the Faculty of the Karl-Franzens-University of Graz/Austria had invited a larger circle of theologians to the Colloquium of April 4/5, 2014. The subject there was: "The Jewish-Christian Dialogue Changes/Changed Theology. A Paradigm of Expert Knowledge". Prof. Henrix participated in the two colloquia. In Graz he gave the lecture which was accessible to the general public. His topic was: "Church without Judaism? Assuring the Presence of the Jewish in Ecumenical Theology".

 

Farewell as Advisor (February 19, 2014):

Completing the task of the "Consultor" of the Vatican Commission for religious relations with the Jews


During the meeting of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee in Madrid on 13-17 October 2013 Prof. Henrix has asked the authorities of the Vatican Commission for the religious relations with the Jews to end his mandate as “consultor” of the Commission and to call a younger theologian for the next period. Henrix has held this mandate since 2003. In February, Pope Francis appointed a successor. “Katholisches.info” reported:

 „(Bonn / Rome) The German Fundamental Theologian Gregor Maria Hoff is the new advisor to Pope Francis on Judaism. Last 20 February he was appointed Advisor of the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations with Jews founded in 1974 by Pope Paul VI. Hoff is Professor of Fundamental Theology and Ecumenical Theology at the Catholic Theological Faculty of Paris-Lodron University in Salzburg. He already belongs to the Sub-Commission for Religious Relations with Judaism of the German Bishops' Conference. This is followed by the appointment to Rome, where he takes the place of the Aachen theologian for Ecumenism, Hans Hermann Henrix.“


Discussion group "Jews and Christians" (February 9th, 2014):

Extending the mandate in the discussion group "Jews and Christians" of the Central Committee of German Catholics


The Presidency of the Central Committee of German Catholics has appointed the discussion group "Jews and Christians" again for a further term until autumn 2017. The Presidency has asked again Professor Henrix for his cooperation The discussion group has for decades been the only forum in the international context in which Jews and Catholics have continuously exchanged their views and have taken positions in common concerning basic as well as current theological matters.

 

Interview for the "Day of Judaism" (January 16th, 2014):

Interview for the "Day of Judaism" in Radio Stephansdom, Vienna

For the "Day of Judaism" on 17th January 2014 the Radio Stephansdom, Vienna broadcasts an interview with Prof. Hans Hermann Henrix. In accordance with the intention of this day, which is observed by the churches of Italy, Poland, the Netherlands and Austria, Henrix stresses in the interview the Jewish roots of Christian spirituality. The interview from Radio Stephansdom 107.3 on Friday, January 17, 19.00 h can be re-heared on the Internet for two weeks.

To the interview

The Churches and Judaism (December 2013):

Digital Volume III "The Churches and Judaism" in a continuous progress

The relationship of the Churches to Judaism has fundamentally changed in the second half of the 20th century. This was expressed not least in documents and statements by official and semi-official ecclesial institutions in a wide range. The corresponding texts are documented and accessible in  two volumes  "Die Kirchen und das Judentum. Band I: Dokumente von 1945 -1985; Band II: Dokumente von 1986-2000“ [The Churches and Judaism. Volume I: Documents from 1945-1985; Volume II: documents from 1986-2000]". The two volumes were edited by Hans Hermann Henrix and Rolf Rendtorff and respectively Wolfgang Kraus. The intention of the homepage of the Catholic Theological Faculty of the University of Bonn is to document the statements since 2000 in concentrated form and to present the documents in a chronological manner.

The documents of the Catholic Church and institutions are accessible to a large extent. Texts of other Churches as well as Jewish documents shall follow later.

New Publication (November 2013):

New publication to the writings of Rabbi Prof. Dr. Michael A. Signer (1945-2009)

Together with the Berlin professors Rainer Kampling (Free University) and Peter von der Osten-Sacken (Humboldt University), Prof. Henrix has published a collection of the most important essays on the theory and practice of the Jewish Christian dialogue by Michael A. Signer. Rabbi Signer was Professor of Jewish Thought and Culture at the Catholic University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. He participated intensively in the international Jewish-Christian dialogue. He was regarded as an authority not only in the American dialogue and he was a guest speaker in Berlin and Aachen. The anthology, which has just come out in the series of "Studies to Church and Israel" of the Berlin Institute “Church and Judaism” as volume 29, introduces many contributions of Rabbi Signer for the first time in German language.

Available at

"Positive dialogue in Spain" (October 2013):

So commentaries of the international press of the meeting of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee in Madrid on 13-17 October 2013

The 22nd meeting of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee was held in Madrid. This organization is the highest authority of dialogue between the Catholic Church and Judaism. Prof. Henrix participated as Consultor to the Vatican Commission for religious relations with the Jews and enjoyed the atmosphere of friendly collegiality in the days of Madrid. The general theme of the conference was: "The challenges of Faith in Modern Society". The consequences of modernity for faith and religion were discussed under a variety of aspects. The challenges were analyzed with religious and ethical perspectives as well as from the new political realities in the Middle East. The specific topics of Catholic-Jewish relations in Spain and Israel's relations with the Holy See found their own attention. Prof. Henrix had together with Martin Budd of the Anti-Defamation League to moderate the workshop to discuss the phenomena of rising anti-Semitism. Jewish contributions to the discussion praised the uncomplicated, yes friendly relationship of Pope Francis to the Jewish people and expressed joy about it. The most quoted phrase of the pope was: "Due to our common roots, a Christian cannot be anti-Semitic!“ And the analysis of the challenges of faith and religion in the Middle East entailed the finding of a Jewish speaker: "The Christians today are the new Jews in the Middle East".

To the report

Contribution (October 8th, 2013):

Contribution to the university course "Spiritual Theology in Inter-religious Process" in January 2014 in Salzburg

After his lectures as a visiting professor of the Center for Intercultural Theology and Study of Religions at the Catholic Theological Faculty of the University of Salzburg in the summer semester 2013 Prof. Henrix will again give lectures in Salzburg. Together with Rabbi Tovia Ben-Chorin, he – as lecturer of the university course "Spiritual Theology in Inter-religious Process" in St. Virgil Salzburg – is responsible for the seminar on the Judaism in January 2014. The course is offered jointly by the University of Salzburg, the Ecclesial-Pedagogic-College Edith Stein, Salzburg and St. Virgil Salzburg. More information here (in German)

Participation (October 8th, 2013):

Participation in the meeting of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee from 13-16 October 2013 in Madrid

Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, invited Prof. Henrix to be a part of the Catholic delegation to the meeting of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee from 13-16 October 2013 in Madrid. The theme of this meeting is “Challenges to Faith in Contemporary Societies”.  The program also includes an excursion to Toledo and its historical Jewish quarter.

Visiting Professor (December 4th, 2012)

Visiting Professor in summer semester 2013 at the Theological Faculty in Salzburg

The theological faculty of the University of Salzburg/Austria has appointed Prof. Henrix as visiting professor for the summer semester 2013. The topic of his lectures is "Christ in the Mirror of Other Religions". The advanced seminar is dedicated to the issue "Interreligious Encounter in Practice." Both courses are part of the university calendar of the “Centre for Intercultural Theology and the Study of Religions” of the faculty.



Teaching load (December 4th, 2012)

Teaching load in summer semester 2013 at the Autonomous University in the German-speaking Community in Belgium

The Autonomous University in the German-speaking Community of Belgium was founded in 2005. The studies to the teaching profession at primary schools offer an education in the Roman Catholic religion. In the summer semester 2013 Prof. Henrix is responsible for the module "Interreligious Communication".



Appointment (August 16th, 2012)

Appointment to the Advisory Board for the Salzburg Centre for Intercultural Theology and the Study of Religions


Prof. Henrix has been appointed to the advisory board for the Salzburg Centre for Intercultural Theology and the Study of Religion. The centre stands for a main focus of the Salzburg faculty of Catholic theology. Its research and teaching are tightly established in the theological faculty. All students of the faculty have to deal with issues of "Intercultural Theology and Study of Religions." Activities of the centre include annual visiting professorships, academic conferences and publications, the university program "spiritual theology in interreligious processes" and the effort to expand contacts with scientific institutions in Africa, Asia, North and South America.

Radio Interview (August 3th, 2012):

Radio interview on the anti-Semitism and the current discussion of circumcision


The Westdeutsche Rundfunk illuminates in its series "Jewish life in North Rhine-Westphalia” regularly aspects of Jewish life in the country. It reports on experiences and developments in the local Jewish communities and exemplifies Jewish traditions such as kosher food and worship services. But its series also deals with the aftermath of anti-Semitism of Nazi Germany and the present anti-Jewish tendencies in society. It interviewed Hans Hermann Henrix on anti-Semitism and the current discussion about the circumcision for the WDR 5 program of August 3, 2012.

To the interview (German Version)

New Publication (July 2012)

In the series "topos pocket books," it was just published:

Zuspruch aus fremden Quellen. Begegnungen mit Persönlichkeiten aus Judentum und Christentum (Topos Taschenbücher 807)

[= "Encouragement from strange sources. Encounters with personalities from Judaism and Christianity"]

Life is rich when it permits to be called by the other, to be joined and crossed by the other. From the encounter with the other an "encouragement from strange sources" (Edith Stein) can be experienced: uplifting, bringing in new ideas, admonishing or consoling. This basic experience is testified by outlines of encounters with twenty leading figures, which have enriched the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. (Source: Translation of Amazon.de)

This volume reflects the author's experiences for decades in Christian-Jewish dialogue. He sees his encounters with outstanding characters of the Christian-Jewish dialogue as enriching the dialogue partners in their diversity, as inspiring and connecting them. By itself this results in a panorama of topics, issues and problems, which characterize and move the Christian-Jewish dialogue. In the same series of "topos pocket books," his former book was published: Judentum und Christentum – Gemeinschaft wider Willen [Judaism and Christianity – Reluctant Community]

New Publication (June 2012):

On 13 June 2012, a new German-Hungarian publication was presented at the Hungarian Embassy in Berlin:

Perspektiven der Politik und Religion zur Versöhnung zwischen Ungarn und Slowakei/A politika és a vallás perspektívái Magyarország és Szlovákia megbékélésében

[= "Perspectives of politics and religion in reconciliation between Hungary and Slovakia"]

The bilingual German-Hungarian publication in the series "European Dialogue of St. Adalbert Foundation" documents a symposium, which wanted to advise to an European gesture: the exchange of letters of reconciliation between the Hungarian and Slovak bishops during a festive worship service on 29 June 2006 in the Basilica of Esztergom. The Hungarian bishops asked for forgiveness for all atrocities that were committed because of national, linguistic and cultural membership. The Slovak bishops accepted this gesture in a positive way and wanted to look back to the period marked by conflicts of the Slovak-Hungarian history with a purification of memory.

This gesture of understanding and reconciliation had been put into it in a political situation where the tension had increased in the Slovak-Hungarian relationship. The colloquium sought a contribution of reflection and interaction with eminent personalities of the churches and politics. The documentation has kept its currency at the present stage of development: Hungary’s political development will be followed in Europe with concern. By the documentation Hungarian and Slovak voices will be brought near to a German public. They try to act constructively in a conflictual situation and earn trust.