Last weekend, the National Convention of KOLPING Germany, the largest national association within the worldwide Kolping community, elected a new leadership and, at the same time, decided to change its name.
The delegates elected Klaudia Rudersdorf, who previously was vice-president of the German National Association, as the new National President. She has many years of experience in association work and voluntary commitment. ‘Kolping stands for community, responsibility and living faith. These values sustain us even in challenging times. I look forward to working with many committed people to shape the future of our association – in the spirit of Adolph Kolping and with the courage to break new ground,’ Rudersdorf said after her election. Michaela Brönner and Sven-Marco Meng were elected as vice national presidents.
Pastor Sebastian Schulz, who is currently still Diocesan Praeses of the Kolping Diocesan Association of Paderborn, was elected as the new National Praeses. ‘I want to be with people, that’s what led me to Kolping. Our guiding principle that show how we can help shape the Church, motivated me to run for this office. Kolping has a powerful message for today’s world. Kolping can give people a spiritual home and perspective,’ said Schulz. Maria Adams was confirmed in office as Spiritual Director.
KOLPING INTERNATIONAL congratulates all those who were elected and wishes them every success, joy and God’s blessing for their responsible tasks in the service of the Kolping community!
The Kolping Society of Germany is now KOLPING Germany
At the National Convention, which took place in Cologne from 7 to 9 November, the delegates also decided that the Kolping Society of Germany will be named KOLPING Germany in future. This renaming is part of a comprehensive reform of the statutes and structure, with which the German parent association, which has around 200,000 members, is further developing its organisation and communication. With the simpler name, KOLPING Germany also emphasizes that it is part of KOLPING INTERNATIONAL and KOLPING Europe – thereby strengthening the shared identity of the worldwide Kolping community.
Photo above: The new National President Klaudia Rudersdorf and the new National Praeses Pastor Sebastian Schulz after their election (Photo: Franziska Kielow/ KOLPING Germany).
