Scientific exchange: Prof Ian Nell - Practical-theological research in a culture of digitality

Prof. Ian Nell and Prof Thomas Schlag are in close academic contact since about 15 years. Currently we are conducting intensive collaborative research in the research framework of the so-called CONTOC (Churches Online In Times of Corona)-research project, which started in 2020 and is now in its second phase (https://contoc.org/de/contoc/). The CONTOC research project aimed from the beginning at an empirical, representative survey of the development and implementation of especially digital church practices and programs under the conditions of COVID-19. As academic partners and partner institutions from Practical Theology we analyze comparatively what can be learned from these experiences for the future church work and practical-theological research in the context-specific cultures of digitality in Switzerland and South Africa. We are now at the point that we want to do intensive comparative work, investigating the specific situations, political frameworks and ecclesiologies in both countries. We have previously already conducted intensive studies on questions of a public church, public theology and the question of the self-understanding of church communities and pastors in the transformation and post-apartheid society of South Africa. This CONTOC-research project is connected with two other focal points for exchange:On the one hand, this relates to Schlags leadership of the University Research Priority Program "Digital Religion(s). Communication, Interaction and Transformation in the Digital Society" (2021-2032) (www.digitalreligions.uzh.ch), in which the digital practice of religious individuals and communities is investigated in an interdisciplinary manner. Due to the strong developments of digital religious practice in South Africa as well it is expected to gain considerable benefit from the insights of this research consortium for further studies in South Africa as well as for productive academic collaboration. On the other hand, the Zurich Centre for Church Development (ZKE), directed by Schlag, with its research on the transformation of church practice, is also of considerable importance for comparative ecclesiological reflection. Against the background of the current developments of digital religious practice of Christian communities and congregations in both countries, we will deal with the question of the phenomena of digital transformation and make the first elaborations for a corresponding international-comparative essay. As a background for this content-related and methodological elaboration, contacts will be established and strengthened with various members of the URPP research consortium as well as with members of the Centre for Church Development (ZKE). These insights shall also help for structuring the further exchange between both practical-theological departments. As during earlier study trips (in 2012 and 2019) from Switzerland to South Africa, we will also use this scientific exchange for intensive preparations of student exchanges and courses within the framework of the study trip planned for 2024. In the best case scenario, these joint encounters and experiences can also lead to opportunities for academic qualification work, whether at Master's or doctoral level, and maybe even a third-party-funding initiative.