Open Forum Davos 2011 – Does Faith Need Religious Institution?

The interest of people in existential questions and ethical orientation is unchanging. But the connection to institutions, even to churches, is decreasing. Young people are especially turning to religious beliefs that lie outside traditional structures.

How can religious institutions meet the longing for meaning and ethical orientation? What social and socio-political responsibilities do religious institutions have? How do they convert faith? Does faith need collective expression?

• Fazlun Khalid, Founder and Director, Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences, United Kingdom
• Gottfried Locher, President of the Council, Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches, Switzerland
•  Adrian Loretan-Saladin, Professor of Canon Law, University of Lucerne, Switzerland
• Parinas Parhisi, Representative of the Hessian Ministry of Justice for Integration and Europe; Lecturer, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
• Jon Pult, President SP Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland
• Rolf Schieder, Professor, Department for Practical Theology and Religion Education, Humboldt University Berlin, Germany

Moderated by

• Urs Leuthard, Moderator, Swiss Television SF DRS, Switzerland