Who We Are – Board Members

Prof. Ignatius Swart,

Ignatius Swart is a full professor in the Department of Religion and Theology at the University of the Western Cape. He completed his doctoral studies in religious studies at Stellenbosch University and, among other qualifications, holds a master’s degree in development studies from the International Institute of Social Studies in the Netherlands. His research, publications, teaching and postgraduate supervision traverse the related fields of religion and development, theology and development, religion and society, diaconal studies, and social ethics. He currently serves as Chair of the Executive Board of the International Society for the Research and Study of Diaconia and Christian Social Practice (ReDi) (elected in April 2025).

Workstream: Involvment of young academics and practitioners

Ondřej Fischer, Ph.D., (1962) studied Theology and Philosophy in Charles University, Prague (Catholic Theological Faculty, Faculty of Arts, Protestant Theological Faculty (PTF), and in University of London (Heythrop College, Kings College). He is a Senior Lecturer at the Protestant Theological Faculty, where he got his Ph.D. (2018), and the Head of Department of Theology and Philosophy at Jabok College of Applied Social Studies. His research and teaching are based on the dialogue between these disciplines in relation to practice, particularly in Theological and Philosophical Anthropology in relation to Ethics of Social Work and Helping Professions. They are particularly related to Human Rights and to the concept of human dignity, which, along with ethical dilemmas in helping professions, form the centre of his teaching and research. Methodologically he draws upon hermeneutics of practical experience, which brings into a dialogue conceptual thinking (technical terms and concepts) and critical reflexive thinking (reflection of practice experience). His specific interest is in Professional Ethics as based on both critical views on the concept of professionality and on the active use of spirituality and vocation in theological and secular contexts. Ondřej Fischer is an institutional member of ReDi on behalf of PTF, which corresponds to his ongoing research interests in its close link between philosophy/theology and applied practical issues of social practice, with particular interest in Ethics, as it appears also in the reflection of diaconia theory and practice. In this he draws inspiration from practical issues with the emphasis on social/helping and medical/caring professions as affected by religion and culture. In particular, the theme of ethical dilemmas especially in the context of Christian Social Practice and the theme of Human Dignity in helping professions have become the focus of his research. Among others, he contributed to the research project of Charles University Centre of Excellence Theological Anthropology in Ecumenical Perspective and continues in this field with a similar grant specialised in intercultural approaches to anthropology.

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”.

Jacques Beukes is a senior lecturer in practical theology at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Theology and Religion. He specializes in the fields of youth and children’s ministry, diaconal studies, theology and development, congregational studies, social justice and community development and has published various articles, book chapters and a book in these areas of study. He previously lectured at Hugenote College. He is also an ordained reverend in the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern-Africa.

Workstream: Communication

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Mtata

Program Director for the Department of Life, Justice and Peace at the World Council of Churches.