Societas exists to:

• encourage research in the field of worship and allied subjects
• explore the pastoral implications of such research
• facilitate the exchange of the results of this research and other liturgical knowledge
• seek to deepen the mutual understanding of the various liturgical traditions
• seek ways to make clear the relevance of liturgy in the contemporary world

Congress Theme

Liturgical Reforms in the Churches – Liturgiereformen in den Kirchen

How are we to worship in the 21^st century? How can people pray to God with love and thanksgiving, listening to God and God’s word? In August 2013, 250 theologians from all over the world will meet in Würzburg to discuss these questions. The theme for these experts, both academic and ministerial, will be “Liturgical Reforms in the Churches”.

Fifty years ago, the Catholic Bishops of the Second Vatican Council initiated fundamental reforms for worship. Other Christian confessions also underwent reforms during this time.

The congress attendees will look back at the developments in worship and at the lessons that can be learned from these developments. They will also look forward at the challenges facing the Churches. Participants come from a variety of Christian confessions: Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Orthodox, Methodist, Baptist and more. The abundance and variety of the traditions present can be experienced during times of ecumenical worship in the churches of Würzburg.

The Societas Liturgica’s Congress “Liturgical Reforms in the Churches” will take place at the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, and the Lehrstuhl für Liturgiewissenschaft will host.

The Societas Liturgica was established during the course of liturgical reform movements and connects people who advocate, both in the academy and the Churches, for ecumenical dialogue and reformation of worship.