Catholic profile
The church's commitment to social education looks back on a long tradition and is rooted in the church's mission to alleviate human suffering and contribute to solving societal and social problems.
The KHSB also follows this mission. For us, it is about more than imparting knowledge. Social responsibility, ethical behaviour and spiritual depth are also important pillars. Those who learn here are not only strengthened professionally, but also personally.
Catholicism at the university
The KHSB stands in solidarity with people who are marginalised, displaced or violated - people who are denied participation and self-determination or only given limited opportunities. We want to encourage and enable our students to engage openly and critically with the clarification and defence of the democratic and ethical foundations of our society and to stand up for them.
As a Catholic university, we see ourselves explicitly as a place where knowledge is imparted in a critical, unprejudiced and interdisciplinary manner. Learning and working at the KHSB is characterised by the greatest possible appreciation.
What characterises our university is the ability to incorporate religious perspectives into interdisciplinary discourse, to take spiritual aspects into account and to view scientific findings holistically.
Spiritual offers
The KHSB offers various spiritual and supportive programmes from which students and staff can choose.
Lunchtime meditation
The Berlin Institute for Religious Education and Pastoral Care (BIRP) offers a quarter-hour lunch break every Wednesday during the lecture period - for everyone, with and without God - from 11.45 am to 12.00 pm.
- Time to find peace and quiet in the daily work and study routine,
- Time for contemplation and mindfulness,
- Time to switch off in the middle and in between.
The lunchtime meditation offers a wide range of topics and approaches thanks to the various speakers.
Everyone is welcome to take part and get involved.
If you have any questions, please contact Prof Annette Edenhofer from BIRP.
With bread, butter and blessing
Exchange format for employees
As a denominational university, the KHSB is also committed to the Christian values of charity, respect for human dignity and respect for others as an employer. "Working professionally in church organisations does not necessarily involve sharing faith personally, but rather knowing the importance of this dimension and making it possible to give it space," explained our
The event format With bread, butter and blessing aims to build on this point. Over breakfast together, all employees have the opportunity to exchange views on Catholic traditions and positions or to discuss controversies.
Podcast "The Edenhofer"
Annette Edenhofer, Professor of Religious Education at the KHSB, regularly explores topics from society, the church and politics from a Catholic perspective in her podcast Die Edenhoferin - Glaube, Liebe, Hoffnung aus Berlin. "Catholic" not in the sense of exclusive thinking or an internal orientation, but in connection with the attempt to track down the meaning of the word: cata-ὁlos, according to all.
Exciting topics, intelligent conversations and new perspectives - follow the "Edenhofer" on her journey through society, faith and science. Each episode invites you to reflect and join in the conversation.
You can listen to all episodes here.
University chaplaincy
The university chaplaincy at the KHSB offers a spiritual perspective in everyday student life: space for questions, support in challenges and meditative moments of reflection and worship. Here you will find support, inspiration and a supportive community. The university chaplaincy is in the hands of the Catholic Student Community.
Coaching for students
The Archdiocese offers coaching for students in challenging and stressful life situations. The coaches have many years of experience in working with students and are familiar with their life situation. They provide counselling, guidance and support:
- in clarifying and achieving goals,
- in bringing about change,
- in expanding your room for manoeuvre,
- strengthening your skills and resources.
Systemic and solution-orientated coaching helps you to gain clarity, discover new perspectives and develop concrete steps. Whether it's decision-making, motivation or stress management - you will find personalised support here.
Trust is essential for coaching or counselling and confidentiality is guaranteed throughout the entire process.
Christian student communities
Are you looking for a community and exchange with other students? Would you like to get involved and take part in social debates?
In Berlin, the Catholic and Protestant student communities invite you to take part in themed evenings, discussions, parties, trips and to celebrate church services together.
Anyone who is interested or would simply like to have a look is invited.
FAQ
No! The KHSB is open to applicants of all worldviews and offers everyone an unprejudiced, open and appreciative space for the transfer of knowledge and experience. We expect our students to be willing to replace old certainties with critical thinking, to deepen what they know and to explore new things.
The KHSB enables its students to familiarise themselves with the perspectives of the Christian faith and religions and to consider the significance of the social presence of religion, for example for social work as a science and as a profession. Through interreligious co-operation, we also want to help build bridges of understanding between religious communities. Our religion-sensitive approach makes it possible to reflect on social inequality and social discourses of difference in teaching and further education programmes in many different ways and to discover religion as a resource in working with and for people.
- Supplementary theological studies - Studium Generale
- Practical religious education in schools
What is decisively Christian happens in respectful interaction with one another, which aims to recognise others, build bridges and establish relationships. Recognising the fundamental equality of all people, which motivates the church to work for human rights and a global common good. In addition, the KHSB offers various spiritual and supportive programmes for students and staff.
At the beginning and end of each semester, the KHSB invites all members of the university to celebrate a liturgy of the word to mark enrolment and graduation in a festive setting. Students, teaching staff and employees organise the services together. They provide an opportunity to celebrate life, appreciate commitment, be grateful for shared experiences and look forward to what lies ahead.