Choosing Love Over Hate

From “I” to “We”: Bishop Hermann Glettler at MCI

Recently, a special guest lecture took place at MCI: Bishop Hermann Glettler presented his book “Nicht den Hass, die Liebe wählen” (Choosing Love Over Hate), co-authored with Imam Abualwafa Mohammed.

The book is a strong plea for humanity, dialogue, and mutual understanding in an increasingly polarized society. Drawing on their personal friendship, between a Catholic Bishop and a Muslim Imam, the authors demonstrate how trust and encounter can build bridges where division and prejudice initially prevail. Their message is clear: hatred and exclusion can only be overcome if we consciously choose openness, respect, and solidarity.

Bishop Glettler also reflected on these ideas during his lecture. At a time when social tensions are rising and public discourse is becoming harsher, creating spaces for dialogue is more important than ever. The goal is not for everyone to think alike or follow the same path, but rather to move from “I” to “we.” What truly matters is the willingness to build bridges especially where they seem impossible at first.

A particular connection can be made to the upcoming study trip of fourth-semester students in the Bachelor’s program in Social, Health & Public Management. In his book, Glettler describes, among other things, the Belgian city of Mechelen, whose integration policies are internationally recognized as a best-practice example. These insights sparked the program’s interest in Mechelen and led to the establishment of contact with the city’s mayor.

As part of the study trip to Brussels in mid-April, where students visit various EU-institutions, they will also travel to Mechelen themselves to engage with the Department for Safety & Prevention, and gain insights into its integration and prevention strategies. The guest lecture thus provided not only valuable intellectual input, but also an inspiring link between theory, personal experience, and real-world practice.

The event highlighted how essential dialogue, diverse perspectives, and intercultural understanding are for living together and how education can actively help strengthen them.

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