Anglican Oral Histories
andy williamson - St Paul’s, Tervuren
For over three decades, Andy Williamson has been a steady and faithful presence in the Anglican community in Belgium. Now in his mid-sixties, Andy's journey from Yorkshire to Tervuren has been shaped by a deep commitment to faith, education, and community.
“We need to ensure younger people understand how things work and are ready to take over,” he says. “We need people who see that ministry includes finance, legal structures, and local engagement.”
karen papellero - st martha & st mary’s, leuven
Karen Papellero first came to Belgium from the Philippines in 2018, pursuing a master’s degree in theology at KU Leuven. Not long after, she discovered a church community that would become central to her personal and spiritual transformation.
“With my Roman Catholic background, becoming Anglican was like moving into a new house,” she reflects. “Different rooms, different rhythms—but it still felt like home.”
pat thomas - holy trinity brussels
When Pat first arrived in Belgium in 1964, she didn’t imagine she would spend decades weaving herself into the fabric of Brussels’ international church life. Yet from teaching mathematics and physics to raising her daughters, her story is one of steady commitment and adaptability.
Revd Augustine nwaekwe
Reverend Augustine Nwaekwe is the longest-serving Anglican priest in Belgium, with more than two decades of ministry across the country. Today, he tends not just one congregation but four—Brugge, Ostend, Knokke, and Kortrijk—scattered across the northern coast of Belgium, guiding communities that are both deeply rooted in tradition and constantly adapting to new realities.
“I wanted a church that would not be closed, a church that is open and able to serve the needs of the community today. That is what I want for all our churches.”
sharmini jacobs - st boniface, Antwerp
Sharmini came to Belgium as a young lady, in love. She grew up on Sri Lanka and first met Paul, when he was visiting ‘her island’. After her marriage, she moved to Antwerp where she has lived ever since. At that time, it was her father-in-law who pointed her towards the local Anglican church.
“The Sunday service is a way of thanking God for the week past and getting strength for the week ahead. Yes, God is everywhere. But this is a special place where you can, with other people, join in worshipping and praising God.”