Swiss monasteries and the turning point in the church
Many people are concerned about the future direction of our monastery. Following an initial round of discussions last year, we would now like to continue on the path we have begun and cordially invite
you to another round of “Thinking the future of the monastery together”.
Panel discussion on Wednesday, 21 January, 2026, 7.30 p.m. in the Engelberg Monastery, Baroque Hall
The aim of the meeting is to bring together different points of view and to think together about possible perspectives and development paths. The exchange is open and thrives on the experiences, questions and ideas of the participants.
At the beginning, three invited guests will give impulses from different perspectives. They are intended to stimulate discussion. The moderator Martin Spieler will accompany the evening and support the discussion.
All interested parties are cordially invited. We look forward to an open discussion with the speakers.
Dr. theol. lic. phil. Urban Fink-Wagner
Dr. theol. lic. phil. Urban Fink-Wagner, 1961, is Managing Director of the Roman Catholic aid organization Inländische Mission, Zofingen. He is a co-initiator of interdisciplinary discussions that deal practically and scientifically with the profound change in a once familiar monastic landscape. At the Theological University of Lucerne, he has addressed this topic with 12 interdisciplinary specialist groups at two conferences (2022 and 2023). This resulted in the publication of a book entitled “New life in old walls – Swiss monasteries and the turning point in the church” in 2025.
Julia Neuenschwander
Julia Neuenschwander, 1984, is a non-profit manager, speaker, consultant for community living projects, politician, married and has two children. She has been living in a shared apartment since 2018 and is President of Mehrgenerationenwohnen erfahrbar (www.erfahrbar.ch) at Kloster Fahr. She has expertise and experience in communication, public relations, conflict management, fundraising and change management. She wrote her master’s thesis on social entrepreneurship in Switzerland at the University of Fribourg. She therefore brings a wealth of expertise to the table.
Abbot Christian Meyer
Abbot Christian Meyer, 1967, Benedictine monastery Engelberg. He graduated at the Stiftsschule Engelberg and joined the Benedictine order in 1988. In 1996 he was appointed parish priest of Engelberg, and on 27 November, 2010 he was elected the 59th abbot of the Benedictine monastery of Engelberg.
Martin Spieler
Martin Spieler, 1964, is a long-standing editor-in-chief, financial expert and business journalist with his own TV format on several television stations in Switzerland and radio contributions on various stations. He has also worked for Engelberg Monastery for many years.
