23. September 2025
Global Ethic Foundation Opens New Headquarters in the Former Home of Hans Küng
The Global Ethic Foundation has returned to its origins: on September 22, 2025, it inaugurated its new headquarters in the former residence of Hans Küng at Waldhäuser Straße 23 in Tübingen. Coinciding with the Foundation’s 30th anniversary, this move marks both a homecoming and a new chapter—looking ahead with projects for dialogue, diversity, and democracy.
A House with History and a Future
Dr. Stephan Schlensog, the Foundation’s former Managing Director, reflected on the building’s remarkable history: from Hans Küng’s move into the house in the 1970s, to the founding of the Global Ethic Foundation in 1995, and the extensive renovations of recent years. “This house has a vivid history. Theology and foundation history were written here. Now it is once again a vibrant place of dialogue and togetherness.”
Thanks to the generous support of Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, initiated by Prof. Dr. h.c. mult. Reinhold Würth, the building has been modernized and made energy-efficient. Reinhold Würth recalled his close connection with Hans Küng: “We feel deeply connected with Hans Küng. His ideas are so universal and so far-reaching.” He added: “One thing is clear to me: people are fundamentally good. Living together could be so simple.” His wish for the Foundation: “That it continues to spread. Everyone can contribute to that.”
A Global Ethic as a Response to Crises and Diversity
Managing Director Lena Zoller emphasized that the values of Weltethos are more important than ever in the face of the climate crisis, war in Europe, rising nationalism, and the rapid advances of artificial intelligence. “We need educational initiatives that provide orientation and make democracy tangible as a way of life.”
The guiding vision of the Foundation’s work is clear: religious and ideological diversity should be recognized as a strength. People—especially young people—should experience self-efficacy and help shape democracy as a way of life, standing up against hostility and for a pluralistic democratic society.
As a new initiative, she introduced the “Weltethos-Kommunen” Program: cities and communities that make their value-based administrative culture visible, thereby strengthening dialogue, diversity, and democracy. Zoller concluded with an appeal: “Courage is the key. It opens doors to dialogue, responsibility, and solidarity.”
30 Years of the Global Ethic Foundation
For Prof. Dr. Bernd Engler, President of the Foundation, the opening was a double milestone: both the inauguration of the new headquarters and the Foundation’s 30th anniversary. He emphasized that Hans Küng’s guiding principle is more relevant today than ever:
“In the face of devastating wars and widespread human rights violations, we must continue—locally and far beyond—to strive for a more peaceful and just world, one in which all people, regardless of origin, religion, or culture, can live in dignity. We stand for coexistence based on values that connect all people.”
Engler especially addressed the Foundation’s long-standing supporters and partners, calling their commitment indispensable to an open community of values: “With your support, you ensure that the cultural values that unite us are lived in all their diversity—and that the hope for a better, fairer, and more peaceful world never fades.”
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Shirin Ebadi Calls for Interreligious Education for Tolerance
Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Shirin Ebadi, who delivered a Global Ethic Lecture in 2005, also reminded us of the significance of religious and ideological diversity: “Every religion—and also atheism—has something to contribute to world culture. If we teach children from an early age that there are different religions and worldviews, tolerance will grow.” She is convinced: “Hans Küng’s spirit is always present in this house.”
The Foundation extends its thanks to the Neues Kunstmuseum Tübingen. Bernhard Feil and Sascha Hellen facilitated the contact and organization of Dr. Ebadi’s visit.
Outlook
With its new headquarters, its anniversary, and numerous projects, the Global Ethic Foundation looks to the future with a clear mission: to carry its vision forward—toward a world where diversity is valued, human dignity respected, encounters shaped by dialogue, and democratic participation lived as a matter of course.
“The Global Ethic is not an idea of yesterday, but an attitude for today and a hope for tomorrow.”
