Joris Vercammen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Joris Vercammen
Old Catholic Archbishop of Utrecht
Church	Old Catholic Church Roman Catholic Church (formerly)
Archdiocese	Utrecht
In Office	2000 to 2020
Predecessor	Antonius Jan Glazemaker
Successor	Bernd Wallet
Orders
Ordination	1979 (priest)
Consecration	1 July 2000
Personal details
Birth name	Joris August Odilius Ludovicus Vercammen
Born	(1952-10-14) 14 October 1952 (age 72)

Joris August Odilius Ludovicus Vercammen (born 14 October 1952) was a very important leader in the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands. He served as the Old Catholic Archbishop of Utrecht from July 1, 2000, until January 11, 2020. This means he was the main spiritual leader for the Old Catholic Church in the Netherlands for nearly 20 years.

His Journey in the Church

Joris Vercammen was born in Lier, Belgium, in 1952. He first became a priest in 1979 for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Antwerp. This was part of the larger Roman Catholic Church.

In 1988, he decided to join the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands. The Old Catholic Church is a Christian church that separated from the Roman Catholic Church a long time ago.

Becoming an Archbishop

Before becoming an archbishop, Joris Vercammen was the head of the Old Catholic seminary. A seminary is a school where people study to become priests.

In 2000, the priests and members of the archdiocese chose him to be the 83rd Archbishop of Utrecht. This was a very special election.

He was officially made archbishop on July 1, 2000. This important ceremony happened at St. Martin's Cathedral, Utrecht. This cathedral is a historic church in Utrecht, Netherlands.

Global Church Work

Joris Vercammen also played a role in the wider Christian community. In 2006, he became a member of the central committee for the World Council of Churches. This group brings together many different Christian churches from around the world. They work together on important issues.

Stepping Down

After many years of service, Joris Vercammen announced his retirement. On September 19, 2019, he shared that he would step down as Archbishop of Utrecht. His retirement officially began on January 11, 2020.

Joris Vercammen is married and has three children.