Abt Andreas Werner sees future in smaller monastic communities

Abbot Andreas Werner believes smaller monastic communities offer a way forward for religious life. In an interview with the website Kirche und Leben published Wednesday, the Gerleve monastery abbot suggested that groups of approximately 12 monks are more effective than large convents.

Werner, who is 75, stated that the era of large convents has passed and views this shift toward smaller groups as a positive development. He also suggested that religious orders should critically examine their liturgy and maintain a more modern presence on social media.