Theologian, Regional Bishop of the Evangelical Church in Central Germany, Synod of the EKD Evangelical Church in Germany
»As a bishop, I advocate for a comprehensive social discourse on how to shape our democratic coexistence in Germany. This requires, among other things, spaces where people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and lifestyles can engage and experience this in a way that is as productive as possible for everyone involved. In this context, it is necessary to reach an understanding of shared values, such as those guiding ethical decision-making processes. As a member of the University Council, I hope to support the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar as a space for »experimental action«.
Dr. Friederike Spengler was born in Leipzig in 1968 and first worked as a children's deacon and psychiatric nurse after graduating. In 1989, she went on to study theology in Jena, Marburg, and Erfurt. She then worked as a research assistant at the Chair of »Systematische Theologie und Ethik« at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena and completed her doctorate in Heidelberg. She completed her vicariate in Sömmerda, then worked as a pastor in Artern and Klettbach and as a school pastor in the Weimar church district. Since 2011, she has worked at the regional church office in Erfurt as a pastor and personal advisor to the President. She is also an active lecturer, including at the »Trauerakademie Erfurt« and in bereavement counselling for families and working with children. She is Deputy Chair of the »Thüringer Hospiz- und Palliativverband«. Friederike Spengler is married and has three children.
In November 2018, she was elected Regional Bishop Gera-Weimar and is responsible for the leadership of the church districts of Altenburger Land, Apolda-Buttstädt, Eisenberg, Gera, Greiz, Jena, Schleiz, and Weimar.
Education / Qualifications
1985 - 1988
Children’s Deacon of LK Sachsen / State-Recognised Education 0-18 yrs.
1987 - 1989
Curative Education Nurse / Psychiatric Nurse
1989 - 1996
Studied Evangelical theology in Jena, Marburg, 2 Semesters of Catholic Theology in Erfurt
1996
Diplom in Evangelical Theology
2004
2nd Theological Exam
2004
Doctorate in Evangelical Theology at Heidelberg University
Professional Experience
1987 - 1989
Curative Education Nurse / Psychiatric Nurse
1996 - 2000
Scientific Master of Arts at the Faculty of Theology at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Since 2004
Pastor at the »Evangelische Kirche in Mitteldeutschland«
Since 2020
Chairwoman of the Thuringian Hospice and Palliative Association (THPV)
Publications
- »Steh auf, Jena!« Journal, WENDE-ZEITEN, Thuringian Literature Competition 1994
- Kontinuum. MTS 54, Marburg 99, S.217-240/915-18
- »Kindsein als Menschsein: Menschsein als Kindsein. Zugänge zu einer integrativen theol. Anthropologie«, Marburg 2005 (Diss.)
- »Kindsein. Ein Modellfall auf interdisziplinärem Parkett«, in: JABUK/Bd.5/Stuttgart 2006
- »Bibel für heute«, Brunnenverlag, Auslegungen 2011-2019
- Mitteldeutsche Zeitung/Thüringer Tageszeitungen: Regular »Wort zur Woche« articles since 1992