In memory of Professor (Emeritus) Dr Michael Gabel

Michael Gabel studied theology at the Philosophical-Theological College in Erfurt from 1972 to 1976. Following his ordination in 1978, he initially served as a curate before working as a research assistant and prefect at the Erfurt Seminary, and later in the training of parish assistants and in the pastoral care department of the Diocesan Office of Erfurt-Meiningen. In 1990, he was awarded a Doctor of Theology degree for a thesis on Max Scheler. He had already been teaching fundamental theology and the history of philosophy at the Philosophical-Theological College in Erfurt since 1989/90.

In 1993, Michael Gabel was appointed lecturer at the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology in Erfurt and entrusted with the administration of the Chair of Fundamental Theology and Religious Studies. In 2000, he was appointed full professor and took up the chair. With the integration of the Faculty of Theology into the University of Erfurt, he became a full university professor in 2003.

Michael Gabel had a particularly significant influence on the faculty – especially as Dean of Studies from 2003 to 2006 and as Dean from 2011 to 2017. He was committed to teaching, the further development of degree programmes and the support of early-career researchers. He also took on responsibilities within the university and championed good study conditions. Networking within the university was always a key priority for him.
Beyond the university, Michael Gabel held numerous scholarly and academic roles, such as serving as a liaison lecturer for the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, as Chair of the Max Scheler Society e.V., and as Chair of the Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Canonical Degree Programmes in Germany (AKAST).  His scholarly work was largely characterised by his engagement with the philosophy of Max Scheler and phenomenology; he always took a keen interest in questions of the philosophy of religion in general. In 2015, he founded the ‘Scheleriana’ series, which he edited for Bautz-Verlag.
Alongside his academic work, Michael Gabel remained involved in pastoral care. From 1992, he served as vicarius paroecialis of the parish of St Elisabeth for the branch parish of St Mary’s in Ichtershausen, where he also lived.

Prof. Dr Notker Baumann, Dean of the Faculty of Catholic Theology: “Michael Gabel was a Dean of Studies through and through. He placed great importance on high-quality teaching and interdisciplinary thinking. At the same time, he was committed to improving study conditions and implementing academic reforms. As Chair of AKAST, he was able to put his expertise in accreditation into practice with great dedication whilst helping to shape the study and examination regulations.
As Dean, Michael Gabel was deeply committed to fostering harmonious relations both within the Faculty and across the University. He held regular meetings with students to address the concerns of the student union and always enriched their celebrations with a touch of humour. He also took on responsibility as Chair of the Association of Catholic Theological Faculties in Germany (2008–2010).”

After his retirement in 2018, Michael Gabel continued to serve the Faculty of Catholic Theology beyond his active university duties as a senior professor and remained closely connected to it as chairman of the Friends of the Faculty of Catholic Theology in Erfurt.

The University of Erfurt will remember Michael Gabel with gratitude as a dedicated lecturer, scholar and academic leader. His work has had a lasting impact on the Faculty of Catholic Theology and the University as a whole.

The requiem service will be held on Friday, 18 September 2026, at 10.30 am in St Mary’s Cathedral, Erfurt. The burial at the Main Cemetery will take place at 1.00 pm.