Certificate course in Würzburg: Recognize and combat abuse of power!

Certificate course in Würzburg: Recognize and combat abuse of power!

The issue of abuse of power has become increasingly important in recent years, not only within the church but also within other institutions such as universities. Matthias Remenyi, professor of fundamental theology at the University of Würzburg, sees significant parallels here. In a response to the 2018 MHG study on sexual violence in the church, Remenyi called for fundamental changes and increased awareness of the abuse of power that can occur in hierarchical structures such as churches and universities. Loud katholisch.de he calls for a rethink and preventative training for employees in such institutions.

Building on these findings, a certificate program entitled “Identifying and Preventing Abuse of Power” was developed. This program, which starts in the winter semester at the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, aims to sensitize and train participants in various professional areas on the topic of abuse of power. The content of the courses is designed by experts and covers a broad spectrum that imparts both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The course is intended for students, church employees, nursing staff and teachers and can also be taken by people without university entrance qualifications but with relevant professional experience. Details can be found on the website theologie.uni-wuerzburg.de reported.

Introduction to the certificate program

The new course has the potential to bring about a cultural change in institutions that are often anchored in rigid hierarchies. The participants should not only learn to recognize abuse of power, but also to develop effective countermeasures. It is particularly important to consider the vulnerability of doctoral students in the doctoral phase, who often find themselves in a position in which abuse of power can become a major risk.

The certificate program is divided into two semesters. In the winter semester the focus is on the basics of abuse of power, while in the summer semester the focus is on skills and protection concepts. A planned highlight is a study day in which the 2014 film “The Chosen Ones” serves as a starting point for the analysis of abuse of power. The entire program is structured both virtually and in face-to-face events, allowing for flexible and asynchronous learning. You can find out more about this on the university website uni-wuerzburg.de confirmed.

Conditions of participation and perspectives

The application deadline for the first cohort ends on September 15, 2025, and interest is already high; the minimum number of applicants has already been exceeded. In order to take part in the course, proof of practical professional experience in therapeutic, nursing or educational areas is required. The program is particularly designed for target groups such as students of medicine, psychology, education and other related disciplines.

Overall, if things go well, findings from the course will be evaluated in order to enable future measures and adjustments. Those responsible are certain that this certificate program could be an important step in the right direction to not only detect abuse of power, but actively prevent it.