Pope Francis: spiritual leader, patriarch, father in God

The Central Committee, alongside the Diocese in Europe and the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe which we represent, expresses our love, admiration, respect and solidarity for Pope Francis following his death on Easter Monday. Some dates are personal to us. On the evening of Pope Francis's election, 13 March 2013, Bishop Robert (then chaplain of Holy Trinity Brussels) was chairing a meeting of clergy and thinkers in the Diocese in Europe to discuss the future of European Christianity: Pope Francis' election gave rise to elation and cheers from the assembled company. This blog reports (articles on 27 September & 30 September 2024) our pleasure and joy during the visit of Pope Francis to Belgium last year, notably Francis' wise speech before the King and his sermon at the papal mass, which both gave the strongest condemnation of sexual abuse within the Church. The pope remains for Anglicans the patriarch of the West: we mourn Pope Francis' death as a disciple of Jesus Christ, as an inspirational leader, as the defender of the vulnerable and the dispossessed, as our patriarch and friend. In the faith of Easter, may these words of Jesus be true for Francis: "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."

There will be an online ‘Service of Evening Prayer across Europe for Pope Francis and all who mourn' led by Bishop Robert Innes on Thursday 24th April 2025 at 18h00 C.E.T. (Zoom link)

Formation Anglicane

Le 17 avril, dans le cadre de sa formation diaconale au sein de l'Eglise épiscopale aux Etats-Unis. M. Balthazar Nahimana a rencontré le chapelain-président autour d'un repas ; celui-ci est le promoteur du travail écrit de Balthazar au Certificat universitaire en études afropéennes de la FUTP Bruxelles. L'ensemble de sa formation de séminariste anglican est parrainé par le nouvel Institut anglican de Belgique.

Joyeuses Pâques ! - Vrolijk Pasen! - Happy Easter!

Gezamenlijke paasboodschap door de christelijke kerken van België (met dank aan Otheo)

Les Églises chrétiennes célèbreront Pâques ensemble. (merci à Cathobel)

On 11 April, the Chaplain-President had the fun and the pleasure to record an Easter message in the Archbishop's Palace in Mechelen, accompanied by the other presidents of the recognised Christian faiths in Belgium. In 2025, the Gregorian calendar used in the Western Church and the Julian calendar used in the Eastern Church coincide, meaning that all Christians are celebrating Easter on 20 April, so the Anglicans, Catholics, Protestants and Evangelicals were delighted to have Mgr Athenagoras with us to speak for the Orthodox. In this spirit of the promise and joy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Central Committee and its officers - Jack, Eric, Grace, Stephen and Rebecca - wish to all the new life and victory over suffering and death which Easter promises.

Alleluia!

AIB: Prison Chaplains training + Chrism Eucharist

On 16 April 2025, the Anglican Institute in Belgium offered a training course for the Anglican prison chaplains. The topic was looking at mission and evangelism in the prison setting through a post-modern perspective, focusing on relationship, conversation, listening, mutual learning and sharing stories.

The training took place at Church House at Holy Trinity, Brussels on the same day as the Diocese in Europe’s annual Chrism Eucharist. The prison chaplains and AIB joined in the service which is a reminder that every person has a ministry. This is done through prayers and vows made by: lay members of the congregation, a deacon, Licensed Lay Readers, priests, and, perhaps the highlight of the service was when a young person asked Bishop Andrew Norman to renew his vows and prayed for him. This was also the first time that many people had a chance to meet the new Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese in Europe. Also, as part of the service, oils are blessed which are used for special pastoral services.

It was particularly meaningful that the Anglican prison chaplains were able to participate in this service as part of their training day, since two of them are license Lay Readers, and the third is training to become a Deacon with the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe (TEC).

Meeting of the Central Committee

On 9 April, the Central Committee met with a full agenda encompassing the new Anglican Institute in Belgium, arrangements for hosting the national Anglican, Protestant and Evangelical prison chaplain training in May, initiatives for the 150th anniversary of the Central Committee this year, the new law on police-checks for religious workers in Belgium, updates on the Anglican missions in Kortrijk, Mons and Mechelen, and approvals for new members of kerkraden in the parishes.

What does 'ecumenical' mean?

In recent weeks, members of the Central Committee office have been taking part in a series of ecumenical meetings:

On 1 April 2025, the Secretary-General visited the Archbishop’s Palace in Mechelen as part of the work group planning a major academic congress in September to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Malines Conversations.

On 3 April 2025, there was a meeting of the Belgian National Council of Churches (OCKB/CECB) to discuss common issues and concerns. The agenda included requesting a meeting with Minister of Justice to evaluate a new law for clergy to provide Police Clearance Checks. All the churches agree that the goal of the law is good but it is particularly difficult for those who are arriving from outside Belgium to minister here. There was also conversation about how each church shares its faith, as well as, upcoming events and services.

There was also a sub-committee of the OCKB/CECB that recently met to plan services that would take place all across the country in June to celebrate Christian unity in light of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea and the Nicene Creed.

The word “ecumenism” comes from a Greek word that literally means, “The whole inhabited world.” In Belgium, it means that the Christian churches continue to work together to seek unity while appreciating and respecting our diversity for all the unique people and communities that we serve.

Celebrating the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis' election

On the 19th of March, the Secretary-General and Second Secretary were honoured to attend, along with the newest member of the Central Committee, Grace West, and chaplain at Holy Trinity Brussels, the Rev. John Wilkinson, a solemn mass to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the election of Pope Francis as Bishop of Rome and to pray for his health.

The mass was celebrated by Archbishop Luc Terlinden, Mgr Franco Coppola (the Papal Nuncio to Belgium and Luxembourg) and the entire Catholic episcopate of Belgium in the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, and was followed by a reception for the diplomatic corps and ecumenical guests hosted by the Nuncio, with music by the Brussels International Catholic School’s children’s choir.

Second edition of the AIB Learning Lab

On the 12th of March, the Anglican Institute in Belgium (AIB) hosted its second Learning Lab. These gatherings are designed to foster networking and the exchange of ideas among PhD students and researchers connected to the Anglican Church in Belgium.

At this session, Prof. Dr. Hector Patmore led a short and interactive seminar exploring both biblical and extra-biblical texts about demons, and how these sources shaped the understanding of demons in the New Testament.

The group, which has grown since our first Learning Lab, also enjoyed time to connect and exchange ideas over coffee. We’re already looking forward to the next Learning Lab and hope to welcome even more researchers to the community!

To find out more about the AIB and its upcoming events, visit the new website!

Keeping the seat warm: Malines Conversations Centenary planning

While the Chaplain-President is on medical leave, the Secretary-General kept his seat warm at a planning meeting for a major conference commemorating the Centenary of the Malines Conversations which will take place 18-20 September 2025 in Mechelen/Malines. An impressive list of speakers has been assembled at the request of Archbishop Luc Terlinden to remember and learn from the dialogue that took place 100 years ago and re-set ecumenical relations between the Roman Catholic and Anglican church after centuries of animosity. In addition to bishops and academics, this conference will be of interest to anyone who cares about ecumenism and how Christians in Belgium - of every race, language and denomination - can work together for a better world.

Professionaliseringstraject Vlaamse kerkraden tussentijdsevaluatie

In 2023 begon een proefproject tussen de Vlaamse overheid, Thomas More Hoge School en de representatieve organen in Vlaanderen over een professionaliseringstraject om leden van de kerkraad beter opleiding te geven over hun rol. Af en toe komen de stakeholders samen om het project te evalueren. Op maandag 24 februari 2025 nam de secretaris-generaal deel namens de anglicaanse eredienst. Hoewel de studenten hebben veel positieve ervaring met deze opleiding, zijn er ook wat vraagtekens over de cijfers en investeringen van geld en tijd. Dit proefproject zal afgerond zijn in 2026.

First Anglican Filipino service in Mechelen

On Sunday the 23rd of February was the first Anglican Filipino service in Mechelen. Despite public transport problems, an encouraging number joined together in worship and fellowship. The service was followed by a delicious meal, as this is this community’s tradition.

We are so grateful to the RC Church for the use of their beautiful building. We give thanks for our Filipino brothers and sisters, and wish them every blessing as they start this new chapter!

Who ya gonna call? Jewish-Christian dialogue

On Thursday 20 February 2025, the Secretary-General and the Second Secretary were honoured to be present at a very special meeting of the Belgian branch of Jewish-Christian Dialogue, which welcomed the President of the International Council of Christians and Jews, Rabbi David Fox Sandmel. Rabbi Sandmel gave an emotional plea to those in attendance for the continued relevance of Jewish-Christian dialogue in the 21st Century as well as encouraging the ‘radical idea’ of trilateral dialogue with Jews, Christians & Muslims.

The meeting also welcomed a new representative on behalf of the Conference of Roman Catholic bishops, Mgr. Jean Kockerels.

A lecture was delivered by Dr. Dennis Baert on the necessity of Jewish-Christian dialogue to confront the ‘ghosts’ of St. Paul’s theology of the Law to help us move beyond binary representations of these faiths in simplistic terms such as ‘Law vs. Love’. This began with references to the film ‘Ghostbusters’ and concluded with suggests for how both Jews and Christians in the 21st Century could best respond to Paul and his theology.

The President of the Jewish Consistoire, Philippe Markiewicz, welcomed the members to the synagogue and described its historical importance in the life of Brussels and the nation of Belgium.

You can read more about this thought-provoking meeting in this article by Ms. Kelly Keasberry, a columnist for the Nederlands Dagblad.

Chaplain-President on the mend after taking a tumble

On 25 January, Jack slipped on a pavement in Leeds whilst visiting family. The unfortunate result was a destroyed left elbow, which was replaced with a titanium prosthesis by the orthopedic surgeons at Leeds General Infirmary on 30 January. Jack is following the Central Committee closely during his convalescence and rehabilitation. He thanks colleagues and friends very warmly for their prayers, best wishes and offers of help. He looks forward to returning to the work of the Central Committee as soon as the doctors permit it.

Vlaams Interlevensbeschouwelijke Dialoog

Op 14 februari 2025 zijn de twee secretarissen van het Centraal Comité bij de vergadering van het Vlaams Interlevensbeschouwelijke Dialoog (VILD) geweest. Eindelijk heeft België zowel een Vlaamse- en een Federale regering. Er was discussie over de nieuwe ministers van beide niveaus.

De Vlaamse overheid was goed vertegenwoordigd door meneer Mohamed Lahlali. Hij gaf toelichting over verschillende zaken, o.a. een mogelijke engagmentsverklaring over het belang van het gebruik van het Nederlands door de bedienaren van de erediest. Daarnaast was er kennismaking met de Vlaamse Vereniging van Steden en Gemeenten (VVSG). En wij hebben ook verslag gehoord van mevrouw Lindsy Desmet over de erkenning van spirituele zorgverleners.

Emouna Belgium at Holy Trinity Brussels

On 12 February, the Vice-president, Secretary-General and Second Secretary were pleased to host the Emouna Belgique session that is held annually at Holy Trinity Brussels.

Emouna is an interfaith leadership program that focuses on study, reflection, inter-religious dialogue and social engagement.

The theme for the day was religious art, with lectures from specialists and a time for creative expression at an art atelier in the afternoon. Before the classes, the Vice-president and former Emouna-participant, Eric Sibomana, gave a tour of the church and shared about some of the unique aspects of the Anglican Church in Belgium and worldwide.

One in Christ: 1700 years since Nicea

This year, Christians around the world are exploring the Nicene Creed and the Council that led to its development with fresh eyes as we celebrate its 1700th anniversary. On Friday 7 February 2025, the School of the Early Church Fathers, which is a cooperative project between the Roman Catholic diocese and Orthodox church in Gent, hosted an impressive Colloquium to share some of the history and spirituality leading up to the formation of the Nicene Creed and its effects that remain in the present day.

The event took place in the Byzantine Chapel at the Old Abbey in Drongen. The list of speakers featured Fr. Dominique Verbeke (Orthodox), Prof. Dr. Maria Verhoeff (ETF, protestant), Metropolitan bishop Job Getcha of Pisidië (Orthodox), Dr. Kees den Biesen (Syrian-Orthodox), Cardinal Joseph De Kesel (Roman Catholic), Prof. Dr. Peter De Mey (KU Leuven) and the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams (Anglican).

Music and times of prayer brought to life the thoughts and experiences of the Early Church and there was a general atmosphere of ecumenical cooperation throughout.

Interfaith Harmony Breakfast with Sant'Egidio

The Second Secretary and Secretary General were honoured to attend the Interfaith Harmony Breakfast in the place of the Chaplain President while he is on medical leave. The breakfast was hosted by Sant’Egidio, Belgium. Baron Jan De Volder welcomed all the guests warmly and gave a moving lecture about the need for hope and resilience in the midst of an ever changing social and political landscape. The guests then had the opportunity to share their thoughts and make proposal in an informal manner. It was an excellent atmophere of cooperation and harmony. The Anglican Church in Belgium is always pleased to work together with Sant’Egidio to help those who are often overlooked in our society and to strive for peace and justice in this world.

Federale regering = federale dialoog

Op maandag 3 februari 2025 heeft de anglicaanse eredienst de andere 7 erkende levensbeschouwingen verwelkomt bij Holy Trinity, Brussel voor een vergadering van FIDIF, de interlevensbeschouwelijke dialoog op het federaal niveau. Deze vergadering vond plaats in opvolging van het nieuwe regeerakkoord van de federale overheid. Natuurlijk ging de discussie rond de inhoud van het akkoord en de impact op de levensbeschouwingen. Daarnaast was er sprake van de gewenste aanwezigheid van levensbeschouwelijke aalmoezeniers en consulenten op de luchthaven in Zaventem en ook in het Belgische leger.

Licensing and Installation of the Revd. Myron Penner as the new Senior Chaplain of Saint John’s Anglican Church in Ghent

On Sunday the 2nd of February, the Secretary-General and the Second Secretary were delighted to attend the licensing of the Revd. Dr. Myron Penner as the new Senior Chaplain of Saint John’s Anglican Church in Ghent.

The service took place in the beautiful Sint-Elisabethkerk and the Archdeacon of North-West Europe, the Ven. Sam van Leer, presided. During the service, Revd. Myron was warmly welcomed by members of the parish and received gifts that represented areas of his ministry within the church and the city of Ghent. Jodi Penner graced the congregation with an amazing rendition of Handel’s “Let the Bright Seraph”, and to end the service, the whole congregation processed outside to the tune of “We Are Walking in the Light of God”. A delicious lunch, provided by members of the congregation, was served afterwards.

The Central Committee also wishes the Revd. Myron and his wife, Jodi, many blessings as they begin this new chapter, and we wish them all the best as they settle into life in Belgium.

Licensing and Installation of the Revd. Arani Sen as the new Chancellor and Senior Chaplain of Holy Trinity Brussels

On Saturday the 1st of February, the Second Secretary attended the licensing of the Reverend Arani Sen as the new Chancellor and Senior Chaplain of Holy Trinity Brussels, the Pro-Cathedral of the Diocese in Europe.

The Right Revd Dr Robert Innes carried out the licensing and presided at a service that included worship in various languages, and which was attended by clergy from across Belgium, the Diocese in Europe and the Church of England, including the Bishop of London, The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally, and the Venerable Sam van Leer, archdeacon of Benelux. Arani was also welcomed by ecumenical friends from the city of Brussels and a representative from the British embassy. A lovely reception followed in Walker Hall.

The Central Committee also wishes the Revd. Arani and his wife, Alison, many blessings as they begin this new chapter and we wish them all the best as they settle into life in Belgium.