JCM In Dialogue 2026
Faithful Dissent – Self-Criticism and Commitment Across Religious Tradition
9 - 15 February 2026
Haus Wasserburg, Vallendar
One of the greatest challenges facing religious (individuals and) communities today is the ability to hold their traditions with both reverence and critical insight. In a world marked by social injustice, political polarization, and growing religious skepticism, the capacity for self-criticism within faith communities is not only a moral imperative but also a vital expression of spiritual integrity.
JCM 2026 will explore the role of self-criticism in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. How do believers confront difficult or troubling aspects of their sacred texts and traditions? What does it mean to remain faithful while speaking out against injustice or outdated norms within one’s religious community? Can loyalty and critique coexist—and even strengthen one another?
Through text study, workshops, and dialogue sessions, we will examine moments in which religious thinkers, leaders, and communities have dared to question their own teachings and practices. We will ask: What are the conditions that allow for critical voices to emerge within religious frameworks? How do interfaith encounters encourage or challenge these processes? And how can honest self-reflection deepen our commitment to our own faith and to shared ethical responsibilities?
JCM 2026 invites participants to engage courageously, listen openly, and reflect deeply on what it means to be faithfully critical in our religious lives and shared world.
Our target group includes students and teachers, as well as all those interested in, and actively committed to, dialogue amongst the three Abrahamic faiths.
Our main languages are German and English (with some translations into Hebrew and Arabic). All content will be translated.
JCM 2026 will explore the role of self-criticism in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. How do believers confront difficult or troubling aspects of their sacred texts and traditions? What does it mean to remain faithful while speaking out against injustice or outdated norms within one’s religious community? Can loyalty and critique coexist—and even strengthen one another?
Through text study, workshops, and dialogue sessions, we will examine moments in which religious thinkers, leaders, and communities have dared to question their own teachings and practices. We will ask: What are the conditions that allow for critical voices to emerge within religious frameworks? How do interfaith encounters encourage or challenge these processes? And how can honest self-reflection deepen our commitment to our own faith and to shared ethical responsibilities?
JCM 2026 invites participants to engage courageously, listen openly, and reflect deeply on what it means to be faithfully critical in our religious lives and shared world.
Our target group includes students and teachers, as well as all those interested in, and actively committed to, dialogue amongst the three Abrahamic faiths.
Our main languages are German and English (with some translations into Hebrew and Arabic). All content will be translated.
It is our hope to make the conference financially accessible to all. We offer the following room options (cost is per person):
- Single room with en-suite bathroom - EUR 550
- Single room with shared bathroom - EUR 490
- Double room with en-suite bathroom - EUR 450
- Double room with shared bathroom - EUR 380
- Multi-occupancy room with shared bathroom - EUR 265
- Reduced rate for students, unemployed and those on low income - EUR 200