Who We Are – Board Members

Workstream 2: Diaconia Journal

Prof. Ignatius Swart,

Ignatius Swart is a Professor of Religion, Social Ethics and Development and Head of the Department of Religion and Theology at the University of the Western Cape. Until the end of 2019, he also held the position of Kjell Nordstokke Professor of International Diaconia at VID Specialized University in Norway. His work focuses on the interdisciplinary fields of religion and development, theology and development, social ethics, and diaconal studies, as demonstrated by his research, publications, and leadership of several national and international research projects over many years. He is the first individual from the Global South to be elected as chairperson of ReDi.

Workstream3: Andrew Bäckström prize & Uutreach to Young Academics

Päivänsalo completed his doctoral dissertation on social justice in the Faculty of Theology at the University of Helsinki in 2005, and was appointed Adjunct Professor in theological and social ethics in the same faculty in 2010. Since then, he has served in several positions at the University of Helsinki, worked as a parish pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and, since 2021, has been a Senior Lecturer at the Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak), Helsinki. His central research interests include diaconia and sustainable development across contexts.

Workstream 3: Andrew Bäckström prize & outreach to young academics

Workstream 5: Communications

Bongani Khoswe is a PhD fellow in Practical Theology at Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology. Her scholarly interests lie in gender, religion and development, with particular attention to the role of faith-based institutions in social transformation. Her doctoral research examines institutional processes and congregational agency in the socio-economic empowerment of women within the church in Malawi, using the Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP), Synod of Livingstonia as a case study. She brings to her academic work extensive experience in community-based development initiatives in Malawi, where she worked with young people on projects addressing gender-based violence, human rights and access to health-care services.

Workstream 5: Secretarial

Rev. Godwin G.D. Ampony comes from the Republic of Ghana and is a minister of the Gospel. He is also a development and diaconia expert. He holds from his previous studies a Bachelor in Theology, Bachelor of Science in Integrated Development Studies, and Intermediate certificate from Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana. Rev. Ampony has worked previously in public health on HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria prevention programmes. His interest is deeply rooted in diaconic actions for addressing social and economic determinants of health outcomes, trauma healing training programs, and ageing programs in the local context as diaconic actions. Rev. Ampony is working with the United Evangelical Mission – (UEM) in Germany as Coordinator, International Diaconia with responsibility for International Master of Arts Diaconic Management (IMADM) and also the Course Mentor for the same. He has co-edited the International Handbook on Ecumenical Diakonia (2021).

Rev. Ampony is studying for his PhD at the University of Bielefeld in Germany. His doctoral research topic focuses on “Social and Economic Impact Measurement of Lymphatic Filariasis, Soil – Transmitted Helminthiasis, Schistosomiasis, and Onchocerciasis: A study on Ghana’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goal – SDG Agenda 2030”.

Workstream 4:  Finance and Membership

Heather Roy has been Secretary General of Eurodiaconia since 2008.  She has been active in REDI since its foundation and serves as the Treasurer supporting membership.

Workstream 6: National Chapters, Research Groups and Ecumenical Partnerships

Ondrej Fischer studied both Theology and Philosophy in Prague and in London. His research and teaching at the Protestant Theological Faculty, Charles University, and at Jabok College of Applied Social Studies, both in Prague, follow these disciplines in relation to practice, particularly in Ethics and Social Professions, with particular emphasis on Diaconia. Methodologically he draws upon hermeneutics of practical experience, which brings into a dialogue conceptual thinking and critical reflexive thinking, especially in Professional Ethics linked with the themes Human Dignity, Professionality, and Vocation.

Workstream 6: National Chapters, Research Groups and Ecumenical Partnerships

Prof. Dr. Christian Oelschlägel is Professor of Diaconia Science (focus on Systematic Theology and Ethics) at the Institute for Diaconia Science and Diaconia Management (IDWM), Bielefeld University, Germany, where he also serves as programme director of the International M.A. in Diaconia Management. His research focuses on diaconia, ethics, and human-rights-based approaches to social action, rooted in his doctoral work on diaconia and human rights. From 2011–2023 he worked with Diakonie Deutschland / the Protestant Agency for Diakonie and Development (EWDE) in Berlin, engaging questions of ecumenical diaconia in practice. As a member of the ReDi Board, he is committed to strengthening international collaboration and expanding ReDi’s global reach, especially by connecting scholars and emerging researchers from underrepresented regions.

Workstream 6: National Chapters, Research Groups and Ecumenical Partnerships

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Mtata is an ecumenical theologian and international development thinker working at the intersection of Christian faith and global policy. He serves as Programme Director for Life, Justice, and Peace at the World Council of Churches in Geneva, where he oversees global initiatives including human rights, peacebuilding, economic justice, and health. Previously, he served as General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches and as Study Secretary for Theology and Practice at the Lutheran World Federation. His work focuses on prophetic diakonia, social transformation, and strengthening the role of faith communities in advancing justice and peace.Dr. Mtata is widely engaged in international advocacy, theological scholarship, and leadership development across Africa and global ecumenical networks.