Executive Bios
DIAKONIA World FEDERATION
President
Diaconal Minister Marlene Britton (Diaconal Minister, United Church of Canada)
Marlene is a UCC Diaconal Minister, currently serving as Director of Policies & Programs for Ministry Personnel within The United Church of Canada. She discerned a call to Diaconal Ministry as a young person in Jamaica. After graduating from the University of the West Indies with a degree in Geology and a degree in Theology, she was ordained as a Diaconal Minister by the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas. She has served the Methodist Church in the Caribbean & the Americas in Belize and in Barbados. She has also been a military chaplain and a welfare officer with the Barbados Defense Force. Through the admissions process, Marlene became the first Black person recognized as a Diaconal Minister within The United Church of Canada. She has served congregations in rural Alberta and in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Since 2019 she has been working in the Office of Vocation of the UCC General Council, first as an Office of Vocation Minister, then Program Coordinator for Admission and Pastoral Relations, and later as Team Lead for Policy and Programs. Marlene has contributed to the work of diakonia through her leadership and involvement in DUCC (Diakonia of the United Church of Canada) and DOTAC. In recent years she has helped these groups have conversation about racism and its impact on people within and beyond the church. Her leadership has been described as “care-filled, authoritative, and invitational.”
Marlene described her experience of changing cultural contexts. “Coming into The United Church of Canada, and the country of Canada, as a woman in her 40s meant that I was already fully formed in a Black cultural context. Having to move into a culture that expected me to operate as a second-class citizen was significantly challenging. I have not succeeded in doing that. I haven’t been able to walk with my head bowed or shrink into a space.” Marlene has a deep love for the diaconate. She uses the skills of collaboration, consultation, community engagement and community-building with passion and compassion. She brings a lived insight in inclusion and understanding, bridging different worldviews and different lived experiences. She does this work of justice-making and equality-building with a sense of kindness and hope; pushing where pushes are required and comforting when comfort is needed.
Learn more about Marlene UCC Story
DIAKONIA Region Asia-Pacific (DAP)
Regional President
Deaconess Claribel O. Buenaventura (Philippines)
National President, Lupon ng mga Diyakonesa sa Pilipinas
President, Diakonia Philippines
Claribel is a dedicated deaconess and Christian educator from the Philippines. She graduated from Harris Memorial College in Manila in 1984 with a specialization in Christian Education. Over the years, she has served in various capacities, including Christian Education Director, Youth and Children Ministry Director, and Church Choir Director. In 2001, she co-founded the Philos Montessori Learning Center, Inc., where she initiated environmental justice programs focused on tree planting, coastal cleanups, and waste management. Under her leadership, thousands of trees have been planted, and children are educated on environmental stewardship. Claribel is also deeply committed to advocacy for women and children, particularly supporting battered women and abandoned children in her community. With a postgraduate specialization in Guidance and Counseling, she provides education and counseling to parents in her school and church. For 35 years, Claribel worked as a preschool teacher and continues to empower women through speaking engagements and training programs. She currently serves as the National President of Lupon ng mga Diyakonesa sa Pilipinas under Ang Iglesia Metodista sa Pilipinas and as the President of Diakonia Philippines, representing four Methodist organizations: UMC, IEMELIF, AIMP, and UCCP. In February 2025, she was appointed President of DAP Region and will assume office after the DWF Assembly in Moshi, Tanzania.
Claribel is married to Bishop Manuel O. Buenaventura, National Bishop of Ang Iglesia Metodista sa Pilipinas. They have three grown children.
DIAKONIA Asia Pacific Vice President
DAP Second representative to the DWF executive committee
Deacon Venerable Mandy Herriman (Anglican, Australia)
Mandy is President of the Australian Anglican Deacons Association (AADA), and Archdeacon to the Household of Deacons. She is serving as a Deacon in the Anglican Parish of Kingsley North in Perth, Western Australia.
Mandy is a Level 3 (Lead Teacher) in the education department of Western Australia. She has been teaching for 22 years and is an experienced primary music specialist with specific skills in band, orchestra, chamber music and choral conducting. She is also an instrumental teacher, primarily in brass (French horn, trumpet and trombone) but also plays flute, clarinet, piano and guitar. Mandy is the State Coordinator for Music in Me in WA and is also a Lead Mentor. She is chairperson of ASME WA which co-funds Music in Me for Western Australian public schools. Mandy is also on the committee of the Massed Choir Festival – an annual two-week choral festival involving 90 primary aged choirs held in the Perth Concert Hall. Her passion is to advocate for quality music education for all children.
DIAKONIA of the Americas and the Caribbean (DOTAC)
Regional President
Dionata Rodrigues de Oliveira
From Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Deacon Dionata Rodrigues de Oliveira is the President of DOTAC (Diakonia of the Americas and the Caribbean). He is a deacon of the Evangelical Church of Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB) and currently serves as Theological Advisor for Formation and Diakonia at the Sínodo Nordeste Gaúcho.
He graduated in Theology with a specialization in Diakonia from the Escola Superior de Teologia (EST) in São Leopoldo. He completed his Master’s degree in Theology with a focus on Diakonia in 2019, and later earned his PhD in Diakonia from the same institution.
Dionata is deeply passionate about diakonia, which is the driving force of his ministry and vocation. He enjoys traveling, discovering new cultures and cuisines, and engaging with people from diverse contexts, especially in initiatives connected to diaconal work. These experiences enrich his perspective, strengthen partnerships, and broaden collaborative networks committed to justice, care, and the dignity of life.
Building relationships is central to his understanding of ministry. Being with friends and cultivating meaningful connections are vital practices of care that sustain daily life and faith. For Dionata, such care is essential to faithfully follow the diaconal calling of Jesus Christ, expressed through service, companionship, and commitment to life in all its fullness.
DIAKONIA of the Americas and the Caribbean (DOTAC)
DOTAC Second representative to the DWF executive committee
Rev. Ann Blane
Presbyterian Church in Canada – Order of Diaconal Ministries
Ann Blane spent her formative years in India where her parents were missionaries with The Presbyterian Church in Canada. She is a member of the Order of Diaconal Ministries and an Ordained Minister within The Presbyterian Church in Canada. For the past 45 years Ann has served the church in a variety of ministries: Director of Christian Education, in Youth Ministries, Children and Family Ministries, Inner City Mission with Metis and inner-city children and youth, Camp Director and Leadership in Training Director, Regional Staff for a Synod and has served with several pastoral charges. She and her husband Robert reside in the cottage community of Lakefield, Ontario. Though retired, she continues to serve as part-time stated-supply Minister at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Lakefield.
DIAKONIA Region Africa-Europe (DRAE)
Regional President
Deaconess Ibironke O. Oremade-oworu (Nigeria)
Deaconess Ibironke Oworu is a trained Psychiatric and General Nurse who has practiced for many years. She was called to the Ministry of service 13 years ago in Methodist Church Nigeria. She is the Healing Ministry and works as the Health Secretary in Methodist Church Nigeria with oversight function of about 18 hospitals. Deaconess Oworu is in the forefront of advocating for change in the Order of Deaconesses, Methodist Church Nigeria. She is married with three boys.
DIAKONIA Region Africa-Europe (DRAE)
Sr. Tina Earl (Germany)
Key liaison person with Kaiserswerther Association (Germany), Austria, France, and Poland
Deaconess Tina Earl is a member of Sarepta Sisterhood, a community founded 1869 in the tradition of Kaiserswerth. She has 2 grown up children, a daughter and a son. Sister Tina Earl works as Deputy Nurse Manager in the Hospice „Haus Zuversicht“ in Bethel, Bielefeld/Germany. Having served on several international ecumenical committees in Bethel, UEM (United Evangelical Mission) she felt connected to the global christian network. In the former European Baptist Convention (now International Baptist Convention = IBC) she served for many years in Church planting and as Music and Sunday School Director. Today her home Church is a Lutheran Church in Bielefeld where she is involved in the band and several choirs.
On a personal note:
Being part of the worldwide network of Diakonia, what a wonderful opportunity and privilege to have fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ! It is a great honour to serve as board member of Diakonia DRAE and World. Meeting people from different ecumenical backgrounds and hospitality is a great joy to me personally. I am thankful for several KAIRE meetings and Diakonia world conferences I was able to attend. Especially in times like these keeping relationships and communication alive on an international level are of the utmost importance.
Diakonisse Tina Earl ist Mitglied der Sarepta Schwesternschaft, gegründet 1869 nach Kaiserswerther Tradition. Sie hat 2 erwachsene Kinder, eine Tochter und einen Sohn. Schwester Tina Earl arbeitet als Stellvertretende Pflegedienstleitung im Hospiz „Haus Zuversicht“ in Bethel, Bielefeld.
Durch Gremienarbeit in Bethel, VEM und der ehemals European Baptist Convention (heute International Baptist Convention = IBC), nahm sie eine weltweite Verbundenheit von Christen wahr. In der IBC war sie viele Jahre involviert in Gemeindegründungen, Musik- und Sonntagsschulleitung. Heute ist sie Gemeindeglied einer Bielefelder Ev.-lutherischen Gemeinde und engagiert sich in der Band und in verschiedenen Chören.
Ein persönliches Wort:
Teil des weltweiten Netzwerks von Diakonia zu sehen, eine wunderbare Möglichkeit und ein Privileg Gemeinschaft mit Brüdern und Schwestern in Christus zu haben!
Es ist eine große Ehre für mich als Vorstandsmitglied für DRAE und Weltbund entsandt zu sein! Menschen aus verschiedenen ökumenischen Bezügen kennenzulernen und Gastfreundschaft zu leben und erleben ist eine große Freude für mich persönlich. Die Erinnerung an verschiedene KAIRE-Treffen und Diakonia Weltkonferenzen macht mich dankbar.
Gerade in der heutigen Zeit ist es unfassbar wichtig internationale Beziehungen und Kommunikation lebendig zu halten.
DIAKONIA Region Africa-Europe (DRAE)
Deaconess Mable Kifwabantu Sichali (United Church of Zambia)
Mable is a Deaconess with the United Church of Zambia. She’s also Head of Department for the Community Development and Social Justice department for the church since 2014, based in Lusaka. She works with some of the poorest and most marginalised people in Zambian society, with a focus on social justice, gender-based violence, child abuse, and a response to climate change.
Mable has a Master of Social Work in Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation from DMI. St. Eugene University, a degree in Social Work from Cavendish University-Zambia, a diploma in Development Studies (Training for Transformation) from Grail Centre in collaboration with Kilmage college of Development Studies, a certificate in Diaconia Studies from UCZ Theological College, a certificate in Psychosocial Counselling by KARA Counselling, with a number of certificates in short capacity building courses. In addition, Mable is a trainer of trainer in Training for transformation, Child Safeguarding Principles and Policy formulation, Organisational capacity building, Gender Justice and Missional Congregations Approach.
Mable is also a member of the DIAKONIA World Justice Committee.
Deaconess Mable Kifwabantu Sichali’s Profile (2)
DIAKONIA Region Africa-Europe (DRAE)
Sister Gunhild Heidke
Evangelischer Diakonieverein Berlin-Zehlendorf e.V.
Sister Gunhild Heidke grew up in an Evangelical Free Church parish and since the beginning of her training as a nurse Diakonieschwester at the Evangelischer Diakonieverein Berlin-Zehlendorf e.V.. After studying educational science, psychology and philosophy at the Freie Universität zu Berlin, she lectured until October 2023 as a qualified teacher and coach at the education centre of the Ev. Diakonieverein in Berlin and many places throughout Germany. Her focus was on pedagogical and social science topics as well as topics as well as leadership and management issues.
In the Ev. Diakonieverein and in particular its Diaconal community, she has been involved for many years with commitment and pleasure in their development and representation. Since 2001, the World Assembly in Brisbane, she has been in contact with DIAKONIA., delegate of the Zehlendorfer Verband e.V. in the following years and has been a member of the DIAKONIA-DRAE ExCo since 2017. She has been secretary there since 2019.
She can sink into books and loves to see the world through a photo lens. In addition to people, animals have always accompanied her life.
DIAKONIA Region Africa-Europe (DRAE)
Deacon Karen McBride
Methodist Diaconal Order, United Kingdom
Karen began circuit ministry in 1995, after working in various social work settings and initial training. In 2009 she became Pastoral Secretary of the Methodist Diaconal Order (MDO), taking on the role of Deputy Warden in 2014 and Warden from 2016. Karen is deeply aware of and sensitive to issues of equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of her life and work. She is naturally collaborative and consultative. She seeks to model through her own life and ministry what it is to be a servant of Christ. At every turn and in each context Karen is able and willing to address difficult issues with grace and sensitivity.
Karen is attentive to the MDO Rule of Life and seeks to live within a rhythm of prayerful attention to all of her varied commitments. Karen has a depth of spirituality, which enables and sustains her life and work.
In addition to her extensive knowledge of the Methodist Church, gained from her significant experience and diverse engagement with its processes, Karen has also participated in the Worldwide Federation of Diaconal communities ‘Diakonia’ in European and African contexts. She is a member of the Methodist Church Faith and Order Committee and has contributed to several significant working parties, including the ecumenical Windsor report on the Diaconate in 1998-2001. She is very able to engage in theological dialogue on matters of mission and ministry, and particularly diaconal ministry.
Karen will bring to her role on the DWF Executive Committee her customary quiet, confident,and secure sense of presence.
Officers
secretary
Marianne Uri Øverland (from January 2024)
Marianne is an ordained pastor in the Church of Norway (Lutheran). She has completed degrees in Theology, Literature and Education.
She served as the President of DIAKONIA Region Africa-Europe for two terms, and was a member of the DIAKONIA World Executive in that capacity.
Marianne concluded her role as DRAE President in September 2023.
Marianne was previously Forstanderinne (Trustee) at Diakonissehuset Lovisenberg in Oslo, Norway.
Treasurer
Representative for Financial and Law (RFL)/ Neuendettelsau
Deacon Sebastian Haupt (Germany)
Sebastian Haupt was confirmed as a Deacon in Neuendettelsau in 2022 by the Diaconia and Evangelical Church of Bavaria and has been a member of the Diakoneo Gemeinschaft Neuendettelsau since then. He had already worked for many years in his parish with children and young people. After studying education, he accompanied young adults during their voluntary social year. After this, he then worked in the field of adult education. Since 2022, Sebastian has been working as a Deacon at Diakoneo, which is one of the largest health and social enterprises in Germany. As part of this role, he is also the Representative for Financial and Law (RFL) for DIAKONIA World Federation e.V. For him it is important to create a network of Christians, to exchange ideas with each other, to support each other with his own gifts, to live in community and to try to introduce young people to the Christian faith in a modern way.
Editor DIAKONIA E-News
Vacant
Webminder
Rev Deacon Sandy Boyce (Australia)
Tech support: Rev Geoff Hurst (Australia)