Ethics in Diversity – Reflections on the 61st Annual Conference of Societas Ethica
Sebastian Zhao
Photo by Rahel Müller / EHD
From 21–24 August 2025, the Annual Conference of Societas Ethica took place in Hofgeismar (Germany), gathering researchers in ethics – theological, philosophical and political – from across Europe and far beyond, connecting scholars from across the globe.
Under the conference theme Ethics in Diversity – Intercultural and Interreligious Ethics, the gathering created a vibrant, unique space for dialogue on how ethical reflection is shaped by – and responds to – cultural, religious, and social plurality.
Conference Hall »Synodalsaal«
The opening of the conference by the president of Societas Ethica, Prof. Dr. Gotlind Ulshöfer, and the avenue host, Dr. Giulio Salvati, was accompanied by three important speeches: by Timon Gremmels, Hessian Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and the Arts, by Prelate Burkhard zur Nieden of the Hessian Church of Kurhessen Waldeck and Prof. Dr. Michael Vilain, Vice-President of the EHD, Protestant University of Applied Sciences.
These core spheres of public life were foundational for the following conference, highlighting the importance of ethics for the political sphere, religious discourse as well as education and research. The president of Societas Ethica emphasised in her speech the Society’s role as a bridge builder between those spheres, and indeed between countries, continents and systems.
From left to right: Prof. Dr. Vilain, Dr. Salvati, Prof. Dr. Ulshöfer, Minister Gremmels, Prelate zur Nieden
Though approaching the theme from different vantage points, the keynote lectures by Prof. Dr. Angela Roothaan, Prof. Dr. Anne Hege Grungand and Prof. Azza Karam, Ph.D (»International Politics and Ethical Challenges in a Multicultural World«) – together wove a thread that ran through the conference as a whole. Their contributions marked key ethical anchor-points for collective reflection: openness to otherness, the transformative power of dialogue, and the ethical responsibility that comes with navigating diversity. Their voices echoed throughout the paper sessions and panels that followed, grounding the conference in a shared commitment to intercultural and interreligious engagement.
»Moving Horizons – Towards a truly intercultural Ethics of Dialogue«
»Gender and Interreligious Dialogue«
In three panels there was room to explore and analyse through different lenses historical as well as contemporary ethical challenges.
In »Lectures in Plurality« the historic interwovenness of economics and ethics became visible with contributions of Dr. Ruth Nattermann (»Ethical Traditions and the Question of Economic Independence. Jewish Women in Early 20th Century Italy«) and Prof.Dr. Mahmut Arslan (»Similarities Between the Business Ethics of Islamic Ahi Guilds of Turkey and the Historical Protestant Work Ethic«).
On the panel »Academia Under Pressure: The Role of Ethics in the Present Day World – US and Transatlantic Perspectives« Prof. Dr. Hille Haker and Prof. David Wellman examined the ethical and socio-political challenges posed by rising nationalist and extremist movements in the US, focusing on the intersections of Christian nationalism, white supremacy, and political power. They emphasised the crucial role of academia, religious leadership and ethical scholarship in fostering intercultural and interreligious dialogue, defending human rights, and translating complex moral and political issues into actionable insights for the broad society.
Prof. Dr. Becka (board member, left), Prof. Dr. Haker (middle), Prof. Wellman (right)
On the final panel »Developing an Intercultural and Interreligious Europe: Ethical Challenges and Responsibilities«, with speakers Prof. Dr. Ingeborg Gabriel, Prof Nico Koopman, Prof. Dr. Thomas-Andreas Põder, Prof. Dr. Ralf Wüstenberg and Prof. Dr. Angela Roothaan, underscored that ethics can only be done in multicultural and dialogical settings that offer spaces for transformative encounters. Key themes included the role of Societas Ethica in bridging diverse discourses, translating shared values and human rights into everyday practice, and connecting academic reflection with civil society. Panellists also highlighted the need for stronger philosophical groundworks, religious illiteracy as a pressing challenge, noting that interreligious dialogue has become more complex but remains possible. The discussion emphasised the need for safer spaces for critical debate, while also encouraging scholars to step out of their comfort zones and engage in ethically demanding, sometimes uncomfortable conversations.
Left zu right: Prof. Dr. Wüstenberg, Prof. Dr. Põder, Dr. Salvati, Prof. Dr. Ulshöfer, Prof. Dr. Gabriel, Prof. Dr. Koopman, Prof. Dr. Roothaan
Beyond the keynotes and panels, the paper sessions – always a conference highlight in itself – offered a broad and thought-provoking range of contributions. What united them was a shared interest in how ethics responds to difference – whether religious, cultural, social, or epistemic. Discussions spanned justice and human rights, gender and embodiment, as well as rethinking and reframing of climate and ecological responsibility. Other sessions addressed migration and racism, global health, and solidarities extending even beyond human communities, while critical approaches explored de- and postcolonial perspectives, cultural practices, and transformative dialogue. Together, these contributions invited participants to rethink ethical responsibility in light of both diversity and structural inequality.
Part of Societas Ethica’s Annual Conferences is always an excursion to explore the hosting country. This year, participants were immersed in the GRIMMWELT Kassel GGmbH , delving into the fascinating legacy of the Brothers Grimm. Beyond their timeless fairy tales, the excursion highlighted the Grimms’ remarkable efforts to collect, preserve, and connect cultural narratives from across Europe, reflecting the same spirit of intercultural and intergenerational exchange that underpinned the conference as a whole.
Re-enacting fairy tales at GRIMMWELT
On foot, participants had the opportunity to delve deeper into the history and culture of Kassel during a guided one-hour city tour, exploring local landmarks and gaining a glimpse of the city’s heritage.
Guided tour through Kassel
At the conference dinner at the Schlosshotel Bad Wilhelmshöhe, Prof Nico Koopman delivered a thought-provoking speech, drawing on his personal experiences in South Africa during and after apartheid. He reflected on the challenges of hybrid identities, the transformation of Stellenbosch University into a more inclusive institution, and the ongoing ethical responsibilities of academia in divided societies. His insights provided a powerful resonance with the broader conference themes of ethics, diversity, and intercultural dialogue.
Prof. Dr. Koopman
Societas Ethica consistently fosters a scholarly and rigorous environment while remaining welcoming to researchers at all stages of their careers. This commitment was evident in the excellent work presented by early-career scholars, including PhD candidates and recently appointed postdocs, highlighting both innovative ideas and the Society’s support for emerging research. The Society provides a welcoming atmosphere where work can be refined and challenged, and where established scholars and the next generation of ethicists can meaningfully connect.
The culmination of this commitment is the Young Scholar's Award, presented for the most outstanding contribution by an early-career researcher. As Prof. Dr. Michelle Becka aptly noted, the award is a recognition of the dedication and high-quality work of all doctoral students and young scholars.
This year’s winner is Dr. Nicole Kunkel with her presentation:
»Solidarity as a Sympoietic Practice – On Entangeling Humans and Non-Humans«.
Dr. Kunkel (left), Prof. Dr. Becka (right)
Societas Ethica continues to foster a space that values not only scholarly rigour and professional exchange, but also recognises the deeply existential dimensions of ethical inquiry – where intellectual precision meets lived human concern.
Special thanks go to all partners and supporters of this year’s conference.We gratefully acknowledge all contributions – financial, institutional, and organisational – that made this gathering possible:
Evangelische Akademie Hofgeismar
Evangelische Hochschule Darmstadt
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
Transdisziplinäres Institut für Ethik, Diakonie und Digitalisierung - TIED
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - German Research Foundation
Evangelische Kirche in Hessen und Nassau
Evangelische Kirche von Kurhessen-Waldeck
Universitätsbund Tübingen e. V.
United Evangelical Mission