Claudia Schulz

Claudia Schulz serves as Professor of Theory and Practice of Diaconal Studies and Social Work at the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Ludwigsburg since March 2008. Her academic career bridges theological scholarship and practical social work, with appointments across multiple disciplines including religious education and community pedagogy.

• PhD in Religious Studies and Sociology (University of Bonn, 2001)
• Habilitation in Practical Theology (University of Bonn, 2012)
• Ordained minister (Second Theological Exam, Kiel, 2003)
• First Theological Exam (Hamburg, 1996)

Her research examines church communities through sociological and theological lenses, focusing on diversity, hate speech in religious contexts, and political culture within congregations. Schulz employs empirical methodologies to analyze baptismal decisions, professional differentiation in church occupations, and social cohesion discourses. Her interdisciplinary approach connects practical theology with social work frameworks to address contemporary challenges in religious communities.

Schulz's publication trends reveal consistent engagement with empirical theology and sociological analysis of religious institutions. Her work increasingly addresses political polarization within churches, hate speech dynamics, and structural challenges in diaconal professions. The research demonstrates methodological sophistication through mixed-method approaches combining quantitative surveys with qualitative case reconstructions.

Schulz actively contributes to academic discourse through multiple institutional affiliations:

• Editorial board member of Praktische Theologie journal
• Member of the Scientific Society for Theology (Practical Theology section)
• European Society for Theological Research of Women
• Religions Sociology Section of the German Sociological Association
• Advisory board for Stuttgart Disability Center

Her research projects include multi-institutional collaborations with the Evangelical Church in Germany, focusing on political culture in congregations, hate speech analysis, and lifelong learning in diaconal professions. Schulz maintains active partnerships with church districts and social service organizations for community-based research.