Teaching profile

1. Theological self-image and disciplinary positioning

Canon law is an integral part of the essence of the Church. It fulfills—in the metaphor of Munich canonist Audomar Scheuermann (1908–2000)—the supporting function of a “legal skeleton” of the Church. The Chair understands law in the Catholic Church (canon law) not as opposed to the Church of love or mercy, but as a necessary element for the realization of its mission in the world.

Church law as a specialized science of canon law is not practiced as mere exegesis of norms, but as a critical theological discipline that relates law, justice, and love to one another in the sacramental structure of the Church. In this sense, the chair sees itself as a place of scholarly reflection on ecclesiastical law in its spiritual-theological, institutional, and social dimensions.

Particular emphasis is placed on the regular inclusion of Eastern Church law, which is addressed in various events, including in cooperation with the endowed professorship of Theology of the Christian East. In this way, the diversity of ecclesiastical legal traditions is put to good use and brought into ecumenical dialog. These efforts are also reflected in the cooperation with the Augustana University of Applied Sciences in Neuendettelsau, which will result in a joint course on ecumenical canon law in the winter semester of 2024/25. The combination of different perspectives on canon law serves to promote ecumenical understanding at the academic and ecclesiastical levels.

2. Teaching concept and university teaching approach

Teaching at the chair is competence-oriented, theory-based, and at the same time practice-oriented. It aims not only to impart legal content, but also to develop professional competence in church service.

The focus is on the ability to analyze legally complex pastoral situations in a differentiated manner, reflect on them theologically, and assess them responsibly. Anti-legal or legalistic attitudes are to be overcome through a deeper understanding of ecclesiastical legal culture. In addition to curriculum-based teaching, practical elective courses—such as excursions to Rome or case study seminars—are being systematically expanded.

3. Promotion of early-career researchers and academic qualifications

The targeted promotion of early-career researchers is a central concern of the Chair. Doctoral and postdoctoral projects are closely supervised and systematically integrated into the Chair's research priorities. Young academics receive support for external postgraduate studies (e.g., licentiate in canon law) and university teaching qualifications. The Chair sees itself as an academic learning and research community that promotes individual development as well as collective excellence.