Katrin Bederna

Prof. Dr. Katrin Bederna is a Professor of Catholic Theology/Religious Education at the Ludwigsburg University of Education and currently serves as Dean of Studies at the Faculty I Educational and Social Sciences. She holds leadership roles in academic governance, including membership in the Senate and Finance Committee. Her academic journey includes doctorates from the University of Münster (1994 and 2004) and extensive teaching experience at secondary schools and universities. Her research focuses on ecotheology, religious education for sustainable development, and mystical theology. She co-leads the Working Group 'Religious Education for Sustainable Development and Ecological Theology' within the AkRK network and actively contributes to interdisciplinary dialogues on sustainability and climate ethics. Recent work includes publications on theological responses to ecological crises and pedagogical frameworks integrating sustainability into religious education.

Education:

• Studies in Catholic Theology, Mathematics, and Philosophy at Westfälische Wilhelms-University (Münster), Pontificia Università Gregoriana (Rome), and TU Braunschweig (1988–1994)
• First State Examination for Secondary School Teaching (Catholic Theology and Mathematics, 1994)
• Doctorate in Theology (University of Münster, 1994)
• Advanced Teaching Examinations (Philosophy, 1996; Second State Examination, 1997)

Research Interests:

Prof. Bederna’s work bridges theological reflection with practical pedagogy, emphasizing sustainable development and ecological ethics. She explores how religious education can foster ecological responsibility and address climate justice. Her writings critically examine the role of spirituality in environmental crises and advocate for transformative educational models. Key themes include mystical theology’s contributions to eco-spirituality and the integration of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into religious curricula.

Professional Leadership:

As Dean of Studies, she oversees academic program quality and student affairs. Her service includes roles in the HochN Sustainability Network and the Forum of Catholic Theologians. Upcoming initiatives include the 2025 Annual Conference on Ecological Theology and Sustainable Development.

Grants & Collaborations:

• Recipient of the Episcopal Study Fund scholarship (Cusanuswerk, 1990–1994)
• Co-editor of Religion unterrichten journal special issues on sustainability

Labs/Teams:

Leads the Working Group mentioned above, collaborating with institutions like the University of Wuppertal. The group organizes conferences and publishes interdisciplinary studies on religious education’s role in addressing ecological challenges.