German theologian to discuss theology after Auschwitz

German theologian Gunda Werner-Burggraf will present "Theology After Auschwitz: Abrahamic Perspectives," the Ninth Annual Lecture on World Religions and Interreligious Dialogue, sponsored by the Theological Consortium of Greater Columbus. The consortium includes Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, the Pontifical College Josephinum and associate member Bexley Hall Episcopal Seminary.

The lecture will be held at 7 p.m. April 17 in the Jessing Center at the Pontifical College Josephinum, 7625 N. High St. in Columbus. It is free and open to the public; no registration is required. The lecture is coordinated by Dr. Paul Numrich, an expert on world religions and interreligious relations and a tenured member of the MTSO and Trinity faculties.

Dr. Gunda Werner-Burggraf is a faculty member of the Department of Dogmatic Theology at Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, a position she has held since February 2012.

A native of Bonn, Germany, Werner-Burggraf completed secondary studies at the Catholic Gymnasium in Bonn in 1991. From 1992 to 1998, she studied theology and philosophy in Münster, culminating in a master's degree. She then worked as an assistant nurse in a home for the elderly, doing pastoral care with hospice, and counseling for the AIDS Foundation in Münster. The following years were spent contributing to the formation of priests and lay people in the Archdiocese in Berlin as well as to the preparation for and follow up to World Youth Day in Cologne.

After completion of a doctorate in dogmatic theology (summa cum laude), in Münster in 2005, Dr. Werner-Burggraf worked in human rights and the development of European networks for the Franciscan Brothers headquartered in Bonn. From January 2008 until December 2009, she was a staff member and one of the chief executive officers for the Second Ecumenical Church Assembly held in 2010. Later that same year, she was a visiting scholar at the Pontifical College Josephinum, conducting research in ecclesiology.

In addition to her academic degrees, Dr. Werner-Burggraf holds a diploma in theme-centered interaction and has several qualifications in human resources, conflict management and management skills. Her extensive list of published writings includes two books and dozens of articles in German theological journals.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares leaders of many faith traditions for lives of significance in service to the church and the world. The school offers master's degrees in divinity, counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree.

CONTACT:

Paul Numrich, professor of religion and interreligious relations
pnumrich@mtso.edu, 740-362-3443

Danny Russell, director of communications
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322