The Conference of European Churches (CEC) has appointed Job van Lobenstein as Programme Officer for Advocacy and Dialogue, working on human rights, with focus on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). Van Lobenstein began his work in January from the CEC office in Brussels.

Van Lobenstein joins CEC with an interdisciplinary background in theology and political science. He holds an MA (Research) in Theology from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where he specialised in Peace, Trauma and Religion, graduating with distinction. He also completed an MSc in Political Science, focusing on Democracy, Power and Inequality, with a thesis examining the decline of freedom of religion or belief in the European Union.

His academic work bridges theology, human rights, and public policy. His research has included anti-conversion laws in India and the relationship between religion, power, and democratic institutions in Europe. Alongside his studies, he has experience in teaching, youth leadership, research coordination, and dialogue education.

In his new role, van Lobenstein supports CEC’s engagement with European institutions, ecumenical partners, and member churches on human rights and especially on FoRB.

Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, CEC General Secretary, said, “I am pleased to welcome Job to the CEC team. His academic expertise and commitment to dialogue are well suited to this role. I look forward to his contribution as CEC continues to accompany its member churches and highlight their perspectives on human rights in Europe.”

Job van Lobenstein said, “Freedom of religion or belief is not only a legal standard; it is rooted in human dignity and the conviction that every person is created in the image of God. I look forward to working with CEC’s member churches to understand their concerns, strengthen their voices, and contribute to principled, constructive advocacy at the European level.”