Sankt Georgen College of Philosophy and Theology, Frankfurt am Main - Mission Statement
Sankt Georgen College is an international center for philosophical and theological education and research. Our College is assisted by the Catholic Church and accredited by the German state. We are a training facility for several dioceses in Germany and all over the globe. We work in partnership with a wide range of regional, diocesan, national and international co-operations, as well as renowned social and church institutions.
Our concept
Our community of students, teachers, staff and members of the administration is committed to the Ignatian charisma of the Jesuits. Above all, this includes a spirituality and a way of reflecting that seeks to discover the presence of God in this world. In our philosophy and theology, we recognize and promote the freedom and decision-making ability of the individual human being. We stand up for faith and justice and encourage the forming of church and society.
According to our motto Pietati et Scientiae, the connection between science and spiritual practice is a key characteristic of our College. For this reason, we invite our students, teachers, staff and members of the administration on the campus to a once weekly church service.
We see ourselves as an international education and research community. The ideological and cultural plurality of our society, as well as ecumenical and interreligious dialogue (especially among Judaism, Christianity and Islam) provide the context for the philosophical and theological work at our College. Our guiding principles correspond to Catholic social teaching: human dignity, solidarity, subsidiarity and ecological sustainability.
Studying, Teaching and Research
At our College, studying, teaching and research have a focus in Systematic Theology: Our scientific work universally serves the critical reflection and argumentative substantiation of the foundations of human coexistence. It reflects and substantiates the Christian faith with its biblical roots, its historical development and its religious practice. Our philosophy and theology is committed to interdisciplinarity. Studying, teaching, and research at our College and its institutes are organized in such a way that the interrelations of the different fields of study become apparent.
Our curricula prepare students for a variety of professions and scientific activities in church and society. A central task of the College is to train of students to become professional, cooperative and socially sensitive personnel in various ecclesiastical professions (such as a priest, pastoral advisor, etc.).
Campus and organizational culture
A supra-diocesan seminary and a community of Jesuits, many of whom are teachers, are connected with the College. The well-equipped library supports concentrated work. Administration and the IT department create attractive conditions for work and study. Our park and canteen offer additional space for meetings and recreation. We offer personal guidance and academic supervision for students by committed teachers and staff. We promote opportunities for personal development through spiritual guidance and education.
The diversity and variety we experience on campus enriches our work. We are committed to equal rights for women and men. All those who study, teach, research and work on campus are equal partners in the performance of their respective duties. The students play a decisive role in shaping college life. We take active steps against un-solidary behavior, bullying and abuse of power, discrimination based on skin color, origin, gender or sexual orientation and violations of good scientific practice. We are committed to an organizational culture with transparent processes and responsibilities. We consider academic self-government to be an essential component of academic freedom.
The College Council of Sankt Georgen College of Philosophy and Theology in Frankfurt am Main adopted this mission statement at its meeting on 1st July 2016. We – the students, teachers, staff and members of the administration – have developed it in a participative and transparent process.