IV news:
The first joint national congress of German Protestant and Catholic schools in Europe (BUKO) in Aachen
From 25 to 27 September 2024, the first joint national congress of Protestant and Catholic schools will occur in Aachen. The previous tradition of federal congresses organised by denomination will be continued in a joint event in 2024. The city of Aachen, situated in the very west of Germany, as the location of the BUKO, suggests focussing on Europe. Together and with the support of renowned speakers from the churches, academia and politics, we want to reflect on how the well-known motto of Christian schools: “live, learn and believe”, sounds from a European perspective and what challenges, opportunities and tasks arise from this for our everyday work.
In addition to the plenary events, there will be opportunities for exchange and in-depth discussions, organised as World Cafés or in workshops. These will also focus on best practice examples and practical suggestions for day-to-day educational work. This will also focus on the one-morning school visits in Aachen and the surrounding area, including the border region with Belgium and the Netherlands. If they take their social responsibility seriously, Christian schools cannot and must not ignore the topic of Europe. Regardless of the country in which a populist, generally Eurosceptic or even anti-European party is currently on the rise.
We are expecting around 250 to a maximum of 300 participants – school principals, teachers and those responsible for education and upbringing in the churches. The event will occur at the Catholic City Church and St Ursula School in Aachen. Representatives of the EKD and the German Bishops’ Conference and preparatory groups, along with numerous members from the local churches (Evangelical Church in the Rhineland and the Diocese of Aachen), are responsible for the event. The preparatory group for the BUKO will publish the complete programme in February/March next year. Registrations can then be made via an internet tool.
Michael Schopp
(for the AGES in the preparatory group)