Jean-René Moret has been announced as the next general secretary of the Groupes Bibliques Des Écoles et Universités (Bible Groups of Schools and Universities, GBEU) based in Lausanne, Switzerland. He will succeed Colin Donaldson, who is stepping down after 15 years of service. Moret will assume the role in August 2025, according to a Lafree Info news update.
The announcement was made public following a GBEU general assembly. During the event, Donaldson was praised for his contributions, including organizing “Big Questions” evangelistic conferences, which have had a significant impact on the organization.
Moret, currently a pastor of the Evangelical Church of Cologny and a member of the Fédération Romande d’Églises Évangéliques (FREE), expressed his enthusiasm for the role. “GBEU has a key ministry to support the faith of Christians in a pivotal time, help them grow, and witness to students. I really enjoyed working with students, and my background equips me well for this role,” he said.
He added, “I like to see the impacts of the Christian faith in all areas of thought and life. I thought I could put my gifts to God’s kingdom to good use in this role and give back to the GBEU some of what they have given me.”
Moret, who holds a doctorate in theological studies from the University of Fribourg and a master’s degree in physics from EPFL, has a long history with GBEU. He was previously a student and lecturer at the academic facility, and his parents met there. He credited GBEU with helping him develop a strong and thoughtful faith. “As a young adult, they helped me to build a solid and thoughtful faith, to overcome the false oppositions between faith and science or faith and reflection,” he said.
Outlining his responsibilities as general secretary, Moret said he plans to lead the movement, develop strategies to maximize its impact, manage the team of around 10 employees, and represent GBEU to its partners. These include international affiliated movements, churches, and other organizations in French-speaking Switzerland. He also aims to oversee financial management and expand the organization’s support network.
Moret emphasized the importance of collaboration with students and team members. He also highlighted the need to strengthen ties with French-speaking churches in Switzerland, ensuring they see GBEU as “a partner in the proclamation of the gospel” and feel confident sending students to the group.
Recognizing opportunities for growth, Moret noted that many educational institutions in Switzerland currently lack a GBE or GBU. He expressed a desire to “create and relaunch” groups at these institutions. “And to continue to offer quality events to present the Christian faith, to link it to the questions and needs of the moment, and to demonstrate its credibility and relevance,” he added.
Moret, who is married to Virginie and has three children, brings a wealth of experience and vision to his new role as he prepares to lead GBEU into the future.
