Several theologians from various colleges and universities have criticized the increasing requirement to use gender language at theological training institutions in Germany. The criticism was published under the title “Objection to the coercion to use so-called ‘gender-equitable language’ in theological training centers” in the Bonn journal “Auftrag und Wahrheit. Ecumenical Quarterly for Preaching and Liturgy”.
In the 12-page letter, the 13 Catholic and Protestant theologians invoke freedom of speech and science. Lecturers feel “compelled to use opposing language even against their own convictions,” which the authors substantiate with surveys.
“In this context, an increasing coercion to use counter-gendered language is also felt in higher education. The coercion to use a certain language basically means an impairment of the academic freedom of lecturers as well as students. (…) Therefore, any pressure to use ‘gender-appropriate language’ means a grievance that must absolutely be objected to in the name of academic freedom, but also in the interest of theology.”
The contribution of the 13 theologians is published in the journal under No. 5, 2nd edition 2022/2023, issue 1, pp. 28-39 and can be accessed HERE.
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