Lessons from Ukraine — Existential Resilience

What can the Netherlands learn from Ukraine about sustaining society through a prolonged crisis? This symposium in Utrecht examines the spiritual and social dimensions of resilience, focusing on the role of faith, churches and pastoral care during wartime.

The discussion considers how communities find meaning, maintain relationships and care for people affected by war. Alongside debates about physical preparedness and national defence, the organisers ask what religious communities can contribute to a society facing an existential crisis. Scholars from the Ukrainian Catholic University will travel to the Netherlands to take part in the discussion.

Professor José Casanova, a sociologist of religion and author of Public Religions in the Modern World, gives the keynote lecture. Dr Simon Polinder offers a response, followed by a panel with the Ukrainian scholars. The event is organised jointly by Socires, the Catholic Study Network of Tilburg University and the Draiflessen Academy.

On Friday 6 November 2026, welcome and registration begin at 14:00. Casanova speaks at 14:15, followed by Polinder at 15:00. After a break from 15:15 to 15:30, the panel runs until 16:30. Drinks and informal conversation conclude the afternoon at 17:00. All times are local Netherlands time.

The venue is Tilburg School of Theology, Sint-Bonifatiushuis, Nieuwegracht 61, 3512 LG Utrecht. Registration is free through the university registration form. The announcement does not explicitly specify the spoken language. Consult the original programme and official poster or contact Socires with practical questions. Image credit: official symposium poster supplied on the Socires event page.