Jacques Heymans, a master’s degree student in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at UP, was recently appointed as a Youth Delegate for the World Council of Churches (WCC).

The WCC “is a fellowship of churches which confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the scriptures, and therefore seek to fulfil together their common calling to the glory of the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  It is a community of churches on the way to visible unity in one faith and one eucharistic fellowship, expressed in worship and in common life in Christ. It seeks to advance towards this unity, as Jesus prayed for his followers, so that the world may believe. The World Council of Churches (WCC) is the broadest and most inclusive among the many organized expressions of the modern ecumenical movement, a movement whose goal is Christian unity.”

In reflection on this honour, Heymans shared the following, “This opportunity is a blessing, and I am thankful to God for guiding me on this path. I would like to express my gratitude to the Faculty of Theology and Religion for providing me with the platform to grow and evolve into the person I am today. Their support and guidance have been invaluable in shaping my perspective and deepening my understanding of faith and community.

“My appointment as a Youth Delegate is set until 2030, and I am incredibly excited about the journey ahead. The group of individuals I will be working with is truly remarkable – a diverse and dynamic assembly that holds immense potential to make a meaningful impact.

“As a collective, we are committed to contributing to the World Council of Churches, while also learning from its rich history and experiences. The World Council of Churches plays a vital role in fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among different denominations and cultures, and I believe that we, as a collective, can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table.

“The upcoming years hold great promise for collaboration, growth, and mutual learning. Together, we aspire to bridge gaps, promote harmony, and create positive change within the global community of faith. I am eager to engage in this journey and play my part in advancing the mission of the World Council of Churches.”