December 22, 2021
By Magdalena Wernefeldt
Dirk Ficca, long-term senior advisor to A World of Neighbours programme and well-known interreligious profile passed away in presence of his wife Lynda, on December 21.
Dirk Ficca was committed to peaceful and fruitful coexistence between people of all walks of life and worked for many years in interfaith dialogue and practice both in the US and globally.
Dirk Ficca got to know, now Archbishop of Church of Sweden, Antje Jackelén during her time as visiting professor at Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. They became good friends and she chose him as one of her advisors in her role as bishop, and later as Archbishop.
Since the start of the programme A World of Neighbours, Dirk Ficca has served as senior advisor, partnering with Anna Hjälm to explore the interreligious engagement with and for people on the move in Europé and to develop a network of practitioners.
– Working with Dirk was always inspiring. He had the ability to see people and inspire us, but also to challenge us and have us take new, bold steps together, says Anna Hjälm.
Dirk Ficca passed away on December 21, after a period of illness. He leaves behind his wife Lynda and sons, Dillon and Connor. Left are also a great number of people around the world whose lives he has touched.
In a letter, Lynda Ficca sends a message to all:
– Honor Dirk by continuing to do good work in the world, caring for others, and choosing kindness and diplomacy over hate and divisiveness.
A fund in Dirk Ficcas memory
In lieu of sending flowers, the family have asked to have donations made in his memory to A World of Neighbours Practitioners and Network. A fund is being set up and more information will follow.
Celebration of Life
A World of Neighbours Network will hold a Celebration of Life for Dirk online on January 3, 6.00-6.45 pm CET. A link will be posted.