Swiss monasteries and the turning point in the church
Many people are concerned about the future direction of our monastery. Following an initial round of discussions last year, we would now like to continue on the path we have begun and cordially invite
you to another round of “Thinking the future of the monastery together”.
Panel discussion on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 7.30 p.m. in the Engelberg Monastery, Baroque Hall
The aim of the meeting is to bring together different points of view and to think together about possible perspectives and development paths. The exchange is open and thrives on the experiences, questions and ideas of the participants.
At the beginning, three invited guests will give impulses from different perspectives. They are intended to stimulate discussion. The moderator Martin Spieler will accompany the evening and support the discussion.
All interested parties are cordially invited. We look forward to an open discussion with the speakers.
Dr. theol. lic. phil. Urban Fink-Wagner
Dr. theol. lic. phil. Urban Fink-Wagner, 1961, is Managing Director of the Roman Catholic relief organization Inländische Mission, Zofingen. He is a co-initiator of interdisciplinary discussions that deal practically and scientifically with the profound change in a once familiar monastic landscape. At the Lucerne School of Theology, he has addressed this topic with 12 interdisciplinary specialist groups at two conferences (2022 and 2023). This resulted in the publication of a book entitled “New life in old walls – Swiss monasteries and the turning point in the church” in 2025.
Julia Neuenschwander
Julia Neuenschwander, 1984, is a non-profit manager, speaker, consultant for communal living projects, politician, married and has two children. She has lived in a shared apartment since 2018 and is President of Mehrgenerationenwohnen erfahrbar (www.erfahrbar.ch) at Kloster Fahr. Know-how and experience in communication, public relations, conflict management, fundraising, change management. Master’s thesis on social entrepreneurship in Switzerland at the University of Fribourg. So she brings a lot of know-how with her.
Abbot Christian Meyer
Abbot Christian Meyer, 1967, Benedictine monastery Engelberg. He graduated from the monastery in 1987 and joined the Benedictine order in 1988. In 1996 he was appointed parish priest of Engelberg, and on November 27, 2010 he was elected the 59th abbot of the Benedictine monastery of Engelberg.