Testimonials

The Sophia Institute Innsbruck makes a very valuable contribution to interdisciplinary and intercultural dialogue. This comes at a time when it is more important than ever to reflect deeply on the big questions facing our society. The combination of academic depth, spiritual openness, and ethical responsibility makes the institute a special place for thinking and learning.

This is one of the main reasons why I particularly appreciate the work of the Sophia Institute and am convinced that its innovative approaches and international network will continue to provide lasting impetus for issues relating to education and society in the future.

– Univ.-Prof. Dr. Veronika Sexl, Rector of the University of Innsbruck

I read the following quote by German-Swiss philosopher Peter Bieri: “An educated person is someone who has the broadest and deepest possible understanding of the many possibilities for living a human life.” Of course, one could also say: “An educated person is someone who ...”. For women in particular, and even more so for women from the Global South, education brings freedom, greater autonomy, broader orientation, greater self-esteem, and resilient wisdom. Perhaps the latter could also be called ‘Sophia’ – wisdom. I would almost dare to say that education is “an instrument of power” for women. But of course, I am not talking about power in the sense of domination, but rather power in the sense of shaping. With education, women in their countries have opportunities to get involved: in society, in culture, in the church, perhaps even in politics. Because they are wise, they know the “art of the possible” and they make use of the opportunities and scope for action that they have.

How wonderful that the Sophia Institute now exists in Innsbruck. All the best and many blessings to you, our sisters from the south!

– Sr. Christine Rod MC

The Faculty of Catholic Theology with its students from all over the world has been a great enrichment to the life of the Diocese of Innsbruck for many decades. The newly founded Sophia Institute increases the proportion of female doctoral students from the Global South and thus brings valuable expertise to Tyrol. At the same time, the women are trained here at the highest level and can make a strong contribution to the diverse mission of our church in their home countries after completing their dissertations. There is an urgent global need for well-trained female theologians to work towards a peaceful, socially and ecologically sustainable world for all people.

- Bishop Hermann Glettler

I am convinced that the Sophia Institute responds to a clear call of the Synodal Church today: to fully recognise the charisms, vocation and contribution of women in the life and mission of the Church (Final Document of the Synod, n. 60). This programme is not just an academic space, but a place where the theological word of women from different continents becomes visible. These women are often invisible, but essential to the life of the people of God. By offering women theologians and philosophers the possibility of an international doctorate, the Sophia Institute makes an important contribution to building a truly Catholic Church - universal, inclusive and profoundly synodal - in which, as the Synod says, "what comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped". To support this initiative is to work for a Church in which the intelligence of faith is enriched by the voice of women, their experiences and their worldview.

- Sr Anne Beatrice Faye CIC

As Austrian Youth Bishop and Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Vienna, I support the Sophia Institute. Education is the key to shaping a good future, both for children and young people personally and for the common good. In this sense, the Sophia Institute at the University of Innsbruck makes an important contribution to the global community and the world church.

- Auxiliary Bishop Stephan Turnovszky

The Church of the 3rd millennial needs mutual listening, dialogues and participation of all. In the universal church men and women, people from all over the world are called to walk together as pilgrims of hope. In Christ’s universal church, everybody has something to give, and everybody has something to receive. Listening to the diversity of voices makes us discern better and take better decisions.

In the Synthesis report of the First Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, October 4-29, 2023, it is proposed that “Women’s access to formation programmes and theological study needs to be considerably expanded. We suggest that women should also be integrated into seminary teaching and training programs to foster better formation for ordained ministry.” (SR 9p)

I am convinced that the Sophia Institute Programme for women from the Global South can be a crucial element of making the Church fit for its mission in the 3rd millennium by supporting the formation of women for leadership positions.

I am happy to recommend this programme.

- Sr Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ, Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops

The Sophia Institute Innsbruck enriches academic discourse through its interdisciplinary and value-orientated approach to key social issues. Particularly impressive is the Institute's ability to combine academic excellence with a holistic understanding of education, thereby opening up spaces for new ways of thinking.

As Vice-Rector for Research, I see great potential in cooperation with institutions such as the Sophia Institute, which work across disciplinary boundaries and promote dialogue between science, society and spirituality.

- Prof Dr Gregor Weihs, Vice-Rector for Research, University of Innsbruck