The Summer School of Religions (The Second Vatican Council)is an opportunity for those interested in theology to get acquainted with theological and religious issues and the views of experts in this regard by attending intensive workshops in a short time. The first course of this summer school, which is held from September 2 to 9, is the Paderborn course organized in collaboration with the University of Religions & Denominations and the University of Paderborn.

The Second Vatican Council or Vatican II is the most significant event in the modern age of the Catholic Church. It is addressed relations between the Catholic Church and the modern world. In January 1959, Pope John XXIII called for a Second Vatican Council, shocking the world. There hadn’t been an ecumenical council – assembly of Roman Catholic leaders meant to settle doctrinal issues – in nearly 100 years. The first was held from 1868 – 1870 and most famous decision which came out of it was its definition of papal infallibility. Following World War Two, however, Pope John XXIII thought it necessary to reflect on the cultural changes that followed and reconsider church practices in accordance. The meeting brought together over 4,000 bishops and thousands of observers, auditors, sisters, laymen and laywomen to 4 sessions at St. Peter’s Basilica between 1962 – 1965. The meetings entailed settling a number of matters concerning Church practices and policies, with over 9000 proposals on the council’s agenda. After reviewing them, the council decided on many dramatic changes to the church’s traditions, including how the church ceremonies were practised, as well as the use of different languages for the Mass. They also did smaller changes that were less visible but still vital, such as how the church saw itself and their relationship with other faiths. These meetings were a productive success with a total of 16 documents resulting from it, laying out the foundations for what we recognise as the church today.