Paths of Peace

Chemins de Paix Friedenswege |

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Cooperation locations

Former synagogue Kippenheim

The Kippenheim synagogue, inaugurated in 1852, is one of the few reminders of the once flourishing Jewish life in the Ortenau region. It reflects the eventful fate of Baden’s Jews, from their emancipation in the 19th century to their expulsion and murder by the National Socialist rulers. The Former Kippenheim Synagogue is also a reflection of how the history of Jewish persecution has been dealt with from the Second World War to the present day. A timeline on the ground floor of the memorial provides information about its history, while an exhibition on the galleries of the memorial is dedicated to the culture of the Ortenau rural Jews.

Contact:

  • Förderverein Ehemalige Synagoge Kippenheim e. V.
  • ehemaligesynagogekippenheim@web.de
  • +49 (0)7807-957612
  • Postfach 0190 77968 Kippenheim

Peace Institute

The Peace Institute is dedicated to interdisciplinary and practice-oriented research, teaching and further education in the fields of peace education and peace work. It offers students of all degree programmes and other target groups teaching modules – seminars, workshops, training courses and specialist days – that contribute to a culture of non-violence and peace. These educational programmes are geared towards promoting democracy and sustainability. Special emphasis is placed on the areas of conflict transformation, peace ethics and peace theology.

Contact:

  • Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg
  • harbeck@eh-freiburg.de
  • +49 (0)761 47812-530
  • Bugginger Str. 38, 79114 Freiburg im BreisgauGebäude A, 1. OG, Raum 105

Franco-German path of reconciliation

The Chapelle de la Rencontre (Franco-German Meeting Chapel) is part of the cross-border reconciliation path in the ‘Garden of Two Banks’ in the Rhine foreland between Kehl and Strasbourg. The path with its various stations is an expression of the Franco-German history of reconciliation, which continues to be of great importance, especially in today’s Europe. It can also be walked with the question of what reconciliation means for us today and for the present day.

At its various stations, this cross-border path of reconciliation describes the warlike past, the hopeful present and the promising future in the coexistence of the two nations. Biblical and other motifs allow visitors to explore the meaning of peace and reconciliation. Group programmes are possible.

Contact:

  • Chapelle de la Rencontre
  • www.chapelledelarencontre.eu
  • +33 (0)3886-10544
  • 1 Pl. de l'Hippodrome, 67000 Strasbourg, Frankreich

Bühler Peace Cross

The peace cross between Bühl and Ottersweier is a memorial to Franco-German reconciliation after the Second World War. The 14 metre high cross, which symbolically contains parts of the Westwall, the Maginot Line, a marble stone from Monte Cassino and a piece of rock from Calvaria, was consecrated in May 1952 by Archbishop Wendelin Rauch of Freiburg. At the foot of the cross, the victims and destruction of war and the role models of non-violence are commemorated. The Bühl Peace Cross is closely linked to the history of the international Catholic peace movement pax christi.

Contact:

Liebfrauenhof

Living heritage and vision together

Liebfrauenhof is based on Albert Schweitzer’s ethic of reverence for all life. This is expressed in particular in the gardening and music at the Liebfrauenhof, as well as the commitment to Franco-German peace work. This gave rise to the networks ‘LocalPEACE Offenburg’ and ‘Friedenswege e.V. – Chemins de Paix’

The Liebfrauenhof is also based on Gandhi’s non-violence. This is realised in social commitment to justice and peace. This has led to its involvement in the international community movement ‘Arche – Nonviolence & Spirituality’ and the campaign ‘Wehrhaft ohne Waffen – Soziale Verteidigung voranbringen’ (‘Resilient without Weapons – Advancing Social Defence’)

Contact:

Sounds of peace

Sounds of peace, voices and sound,

Sounds of peace: Sounds everywhere!

That people find each other,

that people see each other,

connect in peace, understand each other.

Thomas Weiß

Let the music sound from you,

Sounds that are full of joy.

Re-experienced in strong songs,

make yourselves strong for the time of peace.

Eckart Bücken

Contact:

  • Sounds of peace
  • www.toene-des-friedens.de

The Jean Goss House

A convivial setting that invites you to reflect, discuss and relax.
The Jean Goss House is located in the hamlet of Kohlhuette, 3 kilometres from the village of Wimmenau, in the heart of the Northern Vosges Nature Park. Situated on the edge of the forest, it offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature.
It is run by the association Le Soc, which was founded in 1979 following a meeting with Jean and Hildegard Goss-Mayr and Lanza del Vasto. It organises training courses, conferences and talks on non-violence and peace education, covering topics such as eco-citizenship, eco-politics, environmental protection, etc.
In the spirit of solidarity with the poorest of the poor, the association focuses on hospitality and, in partnership with social organisations, churches or associations, welcomes people on the margins of our society by offering educational activities around a vegetable garden and artistic activities.
The house is made available as a self-catering house (wood heating) for stays by small groups or people who simply need a moment of rest, relaxation and recharging in nature. It can accommodate twelve people in dormitories and welcome groups of up to twenty people during the day.

‘Each of us can practise non-violence for one simple reason: violence is everywhere, starting with us…’ Jean Goss
The revitalisation of the living, our interdependence as humanity and social cohesion are at the core of our commitment as part of a humanity in search of meaning.

Contact:

Franco-German meeting chapel

The ‘Chapelle de la Rencontre’ is more than just a building: it is a joint, bilingual and cross-border project of the Protestant churches from Baden (EKIBA) and Alsace-Lorraine (UEPAL). The churches want to promote encounters between people from bank to bank. To this end, there are religious, cultural and social programmes and activities initiated by a joint Franco-German pastorate.

The cross-border co-operation at this location is unique. It is part of the Franco-German history of reconciliation, which continues to be of great importance in today’s Europe. For the first time, it has been possible to give this co-operation a binding structure, beyond church services and joint events, which is committed to peace and reconciliation across borders.

Contact:

ABC-Climont

The art of encounter
Practising the art of encounter. This is the common thread of the ABC-Climont project, which has its roots in the heart of the Vosges, in a hamlet that can already look back on a long history of hospitality. ABC-Climont is transforming the former holiday colony into a place of hospitality, life, education and recharging. The Reformed Temple of Climont, located opposite these buildings, is integrated into this project. By organising seminars, stays, conferences, artist residencies and welcoming people in difficult situations or passing through, ABC-Climont aims to be a place of encounter. The programme is divided into four thematic areas: Recharge your batteries (nature), be creative (culture), think (reflection), believe (spirituality).

Our commitment to peace

Le Climont: refuge and host country for Mennonites from Switzerland. These first conscientious objectors were exempted from military service back in Robespierre’s time. Located on the former border between France and Germany, the inhabitants of Le Climont smuggled persecuted people across the border during wartime (Sentier des passeurs). At the top of the mountain, the tower built by the German archaeologist and orientalist Jules Euting opens up the horizon and serves to bring the different peoples together around a common language. Through its history, the Climont invites us to stop and reflect on all these testimonies to peace.
Against this background, ABC-Climont is actively committed to peace. The basic idea of ABC is to bring together people of different ages, religions, origins and backgrounds to create a place where the discovery of the other happens in respect. Meeting other people to deconstruct preconceived ideas and become a source of inspiration and encouragement in the face of the many challenges of our time is, in our opinion, the basis for peace.

 

Contact:

The CAMPUS Association: Centre Théodore Monod

The CAMPUS Association is a Protestant and non-profit organization without political aims (Law of 1908), founded in 1985. It is now recognized by Jeunesse & Sports as an association for Youth and Popular Education, and aims to welcome and support young people (from 6 to 18 years old).

It offers activities for youth and young adults of all faiths and backgrounds throughout the year in the evenings, on weekends, and during holidays. Campus is located at the Centre Théodore Monod, 11 rue Gutenberg in Colmar, in the Saint-Joseph district and at the Parc de Saint-Marc, 1, Rue de la Forge in Colmar.

  • We offer active listening, a place that promotes group life and brings together young people from all walks of life.

  • The center, along with partners, contributes to developing education for citizenship, environmental awareness through the development of a community garden, and respect for human rights. Awakening religious culture is part of this endeavor.

  • The acceptance of others, respect for differences, and cultural diversity are experienced as human wealth to be preserved and developed through encounter and dialogue. Any young person who wishes to do so is welcomed at the center, regardless of their social, cultural, or religious background.

  • The center’s project thus aims to create a living space that serves as an instrument of witness and encounter for young people and adults, in collaboration with them

Contact:

Albert Schweitzer House

Albert Schweitzer, theologian, philosopher, organist, and pioneer of humanitarian medicine in Africa, is one of the greatest figures of the 20th century. His entire life was shaped by his ethic of “Reverence for Life.” For his work, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 1952.

At his house in Gunsbach, visitors can discover the man Albert Schweitzer and learn about the ethics he left behind. The focus is particularly on its relevance today and how we can draw inspiration from it.

Visitors gain insights into Schweitzer’s humility, his faith in humanity, his reverence for all life, his advocacy for dialogue between major religions, and his fight against nuclear testing alongside Albert Einstein.

Contact:

Schweitzer Centre

The Albert Schweitzer Museum in Kaysersberg has been transformed into the Centre Schweitzer, which reopened to the public on August 2, 2023. This new interpretation center focuses on the life and work of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Albert Schweitzer, highlighting his contributions to humanitarian medicine and his fight against nuclear weapons.

The Centre Schweitzer offers visitors a unique and interactive experience in Alsace, utilizing bold installations and digital technologies to showcase Schweitzer’s humanistic principles. The museum’s exhibits revolve around the core values that were dear to Albert Schweitzer: freedom, tolerance, and mutual respect.

Contact: