Koch Chair

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College of Saint Benedict Koch Chair in Catholic Thought and Culture

Serving the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University

The Synod, Canon Law and the Future of the Church

A Conversation with Dr. Myriam Wijlens

Tuesday, April 9 in Emmaus Chapel & Dining Room

  • 11:30 - Mass with Bishop Neary
  • 12:15 - Luncheon Interview with Dr. Wijlens

Myriam Wijlens

Myriam Wijlens, PhD, official consultor to the Synod on Synodality, is a professor of Canon Law in the faculty of Catholic theology at the University of Erfurt and co-moderator of the Peter and Paul Seminar. On behalf of the Dicastery for Christian Unity she is a member of the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches and a consultant to Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC). She is the sole female member of the coordinating committee of the Synod on Synodality and participates as expert in the October 2023 Assembly. She also served on the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors from 2018 to 2022.

The Koch Chair in Catholic Thought and Culture recognizes a scholar whose research and teaching involves placing the Catholic intellectual tradition in dialogue with other academic disciplines. The Koch Chair assists the campus community to deepen their understanding of the rich Catholic intellectual and cultural tradition.

About Jennifer Beste

Koch Chair in Catholic Thought and Culture
Professor of Theology

About the College of Saint Benedict Koch Chair in Catholic Thought and Culture

Through an annual lecture and other programming, the Koch Chair provides opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to bring the Catholic tradition into fruitful dialogue with the academic disciplines and explore contemporary issues relevant to Catholic faith and the wider culture.

This approach supports a full range of expertise, from science to the arts and humanities. Consistent with CSB’s commitment to empower female students to realize their full potential and contribute significantly to society, the Koch Chair highlights historical and contemporary women’s contribution to the Catholic intellectual and cultural tradition.

Past Events:

College of Saint Benedict
Saint John’s University

Jennifer Beste
Koch Chair in Catholic Thought and Culture
Professor of Theology
320-363-5934

Catherine Rupp
Department Coordinator
SJU Quad 355A
320-363-3552