Heike Lindner

Prof. Dr. Heike Lindner is a full-time Professor of Protestant Theology and its Didactics with a focus on Religious Education at the University of Cologne's Institute for Protestant Theology, within the Faculty of Philosophy. Previously, she served as a full-time lecturer at the Heidelberg University of Education (2001–2008) and taught at denominational private schools in the Rhineland (1989–2001). She has extensive experience in practical teacher training and managing school studies.

**Education**: She studied School Music (State University of Music Cologne) and Protestant Theology (University of Bonn) from 1980–1987, completing her first state exam in 1987. She pursued a legal traineeship (1987–1989) and later earned a doctorate (2003) and habilitation (2008) in Protestant Theology/Religious Education. Her doctoral work explored music in religious education, while her habilitation thesis addressed European educational missions from a Protestant perspective.

Her research focuses on interdisciplinary teaching (especially music and religious education), intercultural and inclusive approaches, aesthetics in religious pedagogy, and European educational policy. She co-edits the online encyclopedia WiReLex, a key resource for religious educators, emphasizing ecumenical collaboration and interreligious dialogue. Recent articles highlight digital integration, the role of music in spiritual learning, and balancing state/church educational roles in Europe.

She actively contributes to religious education standards, teacher training methodologies, and the theory/practice nexus. Collaborates with Prof. Mirjam Zimmermann on WiReLex and chairs working groups on religious literacy and educational competencies.