Katerina Karkala – Zorba, President
Katerina Karkala-Zorba serves as the Study Leader at the Orthodox Academy of Crete and was elected President of Oikosnet Europe in 2025. Born in Greece and raised in Germany, she holds Master’s degrees in French Linguistics and Orthodox Theology. She has long been active in the ecumenical movement, focusing on living Orthodoxy, women’s roles in church and society, and interfaith dialogue. A lecturer at the Universities of Salzburg and Lausanne, she has represented the Orthodox Church in several European ecumenical bodies. Katerina is committed to strengthening cooperation within Oikosnet Europe, fostering youth engagement, and promoting equality, dialogue, and care for creation.
Alf Linderman, Treasurer
Alf Linderman is an Associate Professor in the Sociology of Religion at Uppsala University and former Executive Director of the Sigtuna Foundation, a position he held from 2001 to 2023. His research focuses on the intersection of media, religion, and culture, and he has long been engaged in interdisciplinary dialogue on issues such as climate, sustainability, and human consciousness. As Treasurer of Oikosnet Europe, Alf aims to support the organization in achieving a sustainable and balanced financial future.
Veronika Matějková , Vice President
Veronika Matějková is an Assistant Professor at the Hussite Theological Faculty of Charles University in Prague and serves as the Ecumenical Officer of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. Elected Vice President of Oikosnet Europe in 2025, she brings experience from the European Protestant and Anglican Network for Life-long Learning (EAEE), where she served as President from 2022 to 2024. Veronika is dedicated to strengthening cooperation, communication, and educational dialogue among faith-based organizations across Europe.
Catriona Robertson, Board Member
Catriona Robertson represents the Iona Community, an international ecumenical Christian movement based in Scotland, which works for justice, peace, and the renewal of community and worship. A member of Oikosnet Europe since 2022, she was elected to the Board in 2025. She has previously served as Warden of Iona Abbey, leading a diverse residential community and welcoming guests from around the world. With a background in interreligious work and experience living in India, the South Pacific, and London, Catriona brings a global and inclusive perspective to Oikosnet’s mission. She is passionate about embodied liturgy and fostering dialogue for peaceful change within the network.
Monika Appmann, Board Member
Monika Appmann serves as the Deputy Director of the Protestant Academy Bad Boll, one of the founding members of Oikosnet Europe. She was elected to the Board in 2025. With a background in history, German, and economics, she has worked across European institutions, academia, and civil society. Her career includes leadership roles at the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Die Junge Akademie, and Zeppelin University, where she focused on international cooperation, interdisciplinary dialogue, and strategic development. Since joining the Protestant Academy in 2019—and serving as Acting Director in 2023—Monika has been deeply engaged in promoting dialogue on democracy, social justice, and ecological transformation. She brings extensive experience in leadership, network-building, and European collaboration to the Oikosnet Board.
Gérnot Meier, Board Member
Gérnot Meier serves as Director of the Protestant Academy Baden and Head of the Department for Church and Society. Elected to the Board of Oikosnet Europe in 2025, he combines theological expertise with leadership in digital ethics and organizational development. He teaches at Offenburg University of Applied Sciences in the field of AI and at Heidelberg University in cultural studies. With over a decade of engagement in Oikosnet, Gérnot is committed to transparency, interdisciplinary dialogue, and guiding the church through societal and technological transformation.
Frank Grimstad, Board Member
Frank Grimstad studied theology and psychology at the University of Oslo, completing his main thesis “Lutte et contemplation.” Elected to the Board of Oikosnet Europe in 2025, he brings decades of experience in church leadership and ecumenical cooperation. He served for twelve years in the National Council of the Church of Norway and later founded an organization for Norwegian local church councils. Currently a researcher in church leadership at VID Specialized University in Oslo, Frank contributes deep insight into faith education, organizational development, and capacity-building across Christian networks.
Kjell Riise
Kjell Riise, representing the Norwegian Church Academies, was elected as a new member of the board at the General Assembly of Oikosnet Europe 2021. Kjell is a retired parish priest in Tromsø in Norway and former President of the Board of the Norwegian Church Academies.
Heinz-Joachim Lohmann
Heinz-Joachim Lohmann, representing the Protestant Academy of Berlin, was elected as a new member of the board at the General Assembly of Oikosnet Europe 2022 and Executive Secretary since 2024.
Statements from the Board
March 2017 For a Europe in Conviviality
November 2015 Statement Oikosnet