The Spring Plenary Assembly of the German Bishops Conference (Dbk) will take place at the Cistercian Abbey of Schöntal (diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart) from 15th to 18th February. The 66 German Bishops will spend a day investigating “Culture of acceptance and solidarity – the challenges thrown by refugees and migrants”. At the assembly, a statement of intent about work with Catholic refugees will be presented by the special representative of Dbk for refugees, the archbishop of Hamburg Stephan Hesse. As is now the usual custom, a workshop will take place with bishops, experts and witnesses to discuss global migration, the challenges of migration, and relations with political refugees. Another discussion will focus on the charitable and pastoral services of the German Church. Speakers will include Volker Türk (assistant to the High Commissioner for Refugees, Unhcr) and cardinal Francesco Montenegro (archbishop of Agrigento and president of Caritas Italiy). Other items on the agenda of the General Assembly will include a review of the Bishops’ visit Ad limina apostolorum in the Vatican last November, ecumenical issues in the run-up to the commemoration of the Reform in 2017, and the current role of Catholic schools. In addition, preparations for the huge number of young Germans taking part in the WYD will be addressed as well.