The Evangelische Akademie Tutzing was founded by the Protestant-Lutheran Church in July 1947. Officials for the academy say that few German political leaders of the past six decades haven't attended one their conferences.

The academy aims to bring together leaders of political, cultural and religious thought. It is housed in the 12th century Tutzing Palace on the scenic shores of Lake Starnberg in Bavaria, southwest of Munich.

Every two years it presents a "Tolerance Award" to an individual whose has worked to understanding and acceptance between people of different cultures and traditions. Previous winners have included Swedish author and anti-apartheid activist Henning Mankell and Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim.

Support from the top

Such is the academy's standing that incumbent German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave the commemorative speech at the recent birthday celebration. The chancellor praised Tutzing for supporting free debate, calling the institute an "oasis of tolerance.

"The most diverse opinions, religious beliefs and contentious questions have found a home here," Merkel said in her speech.

Bavarian Premier Edmund Stoiber spoke about the history that had been made at Tutzing, citing the Social Democratic politician Egon Bahr, who 1963 formulated his thesis of "change through rapprochement" at Tutzing. The ideas lead to former Chancellor Willy Brandt's new policy of engagement with eastern Europe.

"Here is an academic panel which thinks about new ideas," Stoiber said. "Ideas are produced that are indispensable is for a vigorous democracy."

Religious freedom

Bavaria's Protestant bishop, Johannes Friedrich, said he sees the academy as offering a space in which Christianity can further social debates. Genetic Engineering, globalization, ecumenicalism and health care reform are all scientific, political and church issues which can be freely discussed at Tutzing.

The academy hosts about 100 conferences every year, and over 16,000 individual guests attend.

"There is no freer place than Tutzing," said the academy's director, Friedemann Greiner. "Here one can say everything, ask everything and through rigorous criticism find a solution."

Such is its success that the academy is planning an expansion, with a new center to be built in Cape Town, South Africa.