Award for Christian-Jewish dialogue
Christian M. Rutishauser, Professor of Jewish Studies and Theology, has been awarded the Buber-Rosenzweig Medal 2026. The award was presented by the German Coordinating Council of Associations for Christian-Jewish Cooperation (DKR) in recognition of his contributions to Christian-Jewish dialogue.
"Professor Rutishauser closely monitors developments in Catholic-Jewish relations and speaks out promptly and emphatically whenever he perceives setbacks in the level of mutual understanding achieved." This was one of the statements made by the DKR in its justification for awarding the prize. Professor Christian Rutishauser SJ is described as "a leading Catholic voice in Christian-Jewish dialogue in Switzerland, Germany, across Europe and worldwide."
The DKR has been awarding the Buber-Rosenzweig Medal since 1968 – one of the recipients is former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The medal honours individuals, institutions, or initiatives that have made an outstanding contribution to fostering understanding between Christians and Jews, and to promoting Christian-Jewish cooperation in the academic, artistic, political or social spheres. The medal is awarded in memory of the Jewish philosophers Martin Buber and Franz Rosenzweig.
Over 25 years of commitment
When asked about the award, Christian Rutishauser said, “I am very pleased and did not expect it at all.” He has been deeply committed to Jewish-Christian dialogue for over 25 years, including during his tenure as Provincial of the Jesuits from 2012 to 2021 - “whether in committees, in adult education, in the field of spirituality, or in research.” Over the years, he has built a wide network of friendships and relationships extending beyond Switzerland.
The award holds great significance for Rutishauser, “as it is also a recognition of theological work.” He has conducted research on Buber, Rosenzweig, Levinas, and other modern Jewish thinkers. “I feel a strong sense of commitment to their thought, as well as to their religious and social concerns.”
Rutishauser emphasises: “At a time when anti-Semitism is once again on the rise, and churches are increasingly focused on their internal affairs, it is vital to keep the dialogue between Jews and Christians alive - not only interreligious dialogue, but also dialogue with society, academia, art, and culture at large.”
Advising the Pope
Christian Rutishauser has been Professor of Jewish Studies and Theology at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Lucerne since August 2024. He completed his doctorate in Jewish Studies in Lucerne in 2002. Among other roles, the Jesuit served as Director of Education at the Lassalle House in Bad Schönbrunn in the canton of Zug and has been a member of the Jewish/Roman Catholic Dialogue Commission of the Swiss Bishops' Conference and the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities since 2004. He has also held the position of Permanent Advisor to the Holy See for Religious Relations with Judaism for a decade. Moreover, Christian Rutishauser currently acts as director of the Institute for Jewish-Christian Research (IJCF) at the University of Lucerne, which, Rutishauser says, "gives me excellent opportunities to institutionalise the commitment that comes with the award I have now received and to pursue it effectively."
The Buber-Rosenzweig Medal will be awarded on 8 March 2026 in Cologne.
