FAITH & SOCIETY FORUM | 25–27 JUNE 2026

Furious Images

Idolatry, False Icons, and the Gospel Today

«Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship.»
David Foster Wallace, This is Water

 

The digital world floods us with images, stories, and ideas. They all shape how we see the world, what we aspire to, and what we worship. Whether consciously or unconsciously, every person worships.

What are the defining images, stories, and ideas of our time? Where do they lead us? How do they shape us? Which God—or which gods and idols—do they serve? How can we learn to see this world in the light of the Gospel and make the good news accessible to others?

Together with James K. A. Smith, the internationally renowned author, and a variety of exciting perspectives from culture, theology, history, and the present, we will explore these questions at the Faith & Society Forum 2026.

Trailer (in German)

with James K. A. Smith
and Stefanos Athanasiou • Mia Chung-Yee • Manuel Dürr • Carmody Grey • Tobias Haberl • Johannes Hartl • Andreas Loos • Stefan Schweyer • Ludger Schwienhorst-Schönberger • Sarah Spiekermann • Frederike van Oorschot
and many more

Flyer (German)

Our seats are unfortunately limited! So register as soon as possible:

Register

Faith & Society Forum

The Faith & Society Forum builds bridges between academic theology, church life, spiritual practice, and the wider public. As one of the largest theological events in switzerland, it offers an outstanding ecumenical platform for shared reflection, dialogue, and networking.

  • Language

    The entire main program will be professionally interpreted simultaneously into German, French, and English. Different language options are available for Breakout Sessions and Tracks.

    The official conference languages are German and English.

  • Pricing

    We also offer attractive discounts for students and for participants residing outside Switzerland (see table for details).

     

      Entire Forum (CHF) Day Pass (CHF)
    Regular Price 290.00 120.00
    Price with Early Bird discount (until January 2026) 260.00 (-10%) 120.00
    Students from Partner Universities FR/BE/ZH/LU/GE 0.00 0.00
    Employees of the University of Fribourg 0.00 0.00
    Students at a partner institution for theological education* 75.00 (-75%) 50.00
    Students at a university/university of applied sciences in Switzerland and abroad 145.00 (-50%) 70.00
    Discount for individuals residing outside of Switzerland 245.00 (-15%) 120.00

     

    *This applies to the following: Reuss Institute, HET-PRO, IGW, and ISTL

     

  • Premises

    Due to renovation work in the aula, all plenary events will take place at the Franciscan Monastery:

    Couvent des Cordoliers
    Rue de Morat 4
    CH-1700 Fribourg

    Google Maps

    Breakout-Sessions and Tracks will take place in the main building of the University of Fribourg:

    Site Miséricorde
    Av. de l’Europe 20
    CH-1700 Fribourg

    Google Maps

  • Travel Directions

    The conference venue is just a 13-minute walk from Fribourg train station.

    If you are arriving by car, parking is available in several nearby garages, including P+R Rail and Parking des Alpes. A more distant but convenient option is Parking P+R La Chassotte (CHF 9.00 per day, max. parking time on website of 3h is not correct); The parking fee includes a day ticket for the local bus network, allowing easy access to the city center. For additional parking options, please consult the Fribourg Tourisme website.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation costs are not included in the participation fee and must be arranged separately. Information on hotels and other accommodations can be found via Fribourg Tourisme.

    More affordable lodging options are also available through local Bed & Breakfasts in Fribourg and the surrounding area. An official list of B&Bs can be found here.

    For students, we can offer very inexpensive accommodation in a nearby civil protection facility upon request (while places are available). You can register here.

  • Catering

    The University of Fribourg cafeteria offers two daily menus at lunchtime, a vegetarian buffet, and a salad buffet. In addition, the grill serves a variety of meat and fish delicacies. Other dining options are within walking distance.

A Collaboration with the Communauté de Taizé

Under the Patronage of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Switzerland (EKS), the Swiss Bishops' Conference (SBK) and the Association of Free Churches and Christian Communities in Switzerland.