Mittwoch, 26. November 2008

Presentation of the Forum in English

Orientation

Welcome on the English web pages of our new born Inter-FIRE research centre. We are not interested in fire extinguishing systems, but want to understand the ‘burning’ interaction between religion, education and living with disability. We believe that education is about stirring up the fire and listening inclusively to the stories of longing in every human being, black or white, male or female, believing or non-believing, living with or without disability.

Inter-FIRE stands for ‘International Forum for Inclusive Religious Education’. Research on religions/worldviews in the context of inclusive education is the central focus of our academic work. We believe that the subject ‘religious education’ at school can help children, young people and young adults to perceive and to interpret the complexity and diversity of religions/worldviews in society and their daily life. Moreover the subject can empower them to live more ‘soulfully’ their own existence.

We are aware of the fact that in the field of inclusive religious education a strong discourse community is lacking. Scholars and reflective practitioners all over the world are scattered and working independently on the topic. We want to bring them together and learn from each other in ways in which also the academic passion can be stirred up. The Faculty of Humanities and Theology at the ‘Technische Universität Dortmund’ is hosting the forum. Professor Bert Roebben accepted the challenge to chair the forum when he came to Dortmund and gave his inaugural lecture.

In the forum we want to implement four goals: conducting research at micro- and meso-level (respectively classroom research and school development research) on inclusive religious education, creating an international network of scholars in the field, developing a book series on the topic and finally take the stock and describe ‘good practices’ in the field. If you have creative and innovative ideas to share with us, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can then look at the mode of cooperation. You are most welcome to enjoy the vivacity of the fire!

Organisation

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bert Roebben, chair of the forum
Dr. Katharina Kammeyer, junior researcher
Ms. Veronika Burggraf, research assistant
Ms. Kathrin Hanneken, research assistant

Advisory Board
(to be announced)

Contact

Bert Roebben, Instute of Catholic Theology, Faculty of Humanities and Theology, Technische Universität Dortmund, Emil-Figge-Strasse 50, D-44227 Dortmund (0049 231 755 2864, hubertus.roebben@tu-dortmund.de)

Katharina Kammeyer, Institute of Protestant Theology, katharina.kammeyer@tu-dortmund.de