VILD bij de boeddhisten

Op donderdag 22 oktober 2026, hebben de kapelaan-voorzitter, secretaris-generaal en tweede secretaris een vergading van de Vlaams Interlevensbeschouwelijk Dialoog bijgewoond. Maar voor het eerst vond deze vergadering plaats onder de voorzitterschap van de boeddhisten. Al jaren zijn ze bezig met hun erkenningsdossier en al jaren hebben ze deel genomen van de VILD vergaderingen en werkgroepen. Iedereen was onder de indruk van de kleurrijke omgeving en een klein beetje verbaasd toen we onze sokken uit moesten doen om binnen de zaal te gaan zitten.

Qua inhoud, hebben de erkende levensbeschouwingen de verklaring van 2021 tegen discriminatie en geweld tegen LGBTQ+ mensen opnieuw hun steun gegeven. Er is ook sprake over de volgende stappen tegen discriminatie in alle vormen in Vlaanderen.

Sven Henry gaf verslag vanuit de screening dienst die werkt op nieuwe erkenningsdossiers. Wat later terugkwam in de discussie over de evaluatie van de erediensten decreet die volgende maand zal plaatsvinden.

Verder hebben de levensbeschouwingen hun mening gedeeld over het gebruikt van de Nederlandse taal door de bedienaren van de eredienst.

Convention & Festival of Gathering of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe

The Central Committee and AIB work closely with the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe. The Secretary-General was honoured to be invited to attend their annual Convention (synod) and Festival of Gathering from 7-10 October 2026 in Wiesbaden, Germany.

In some respects it is an extended business meeting with discussions about finances and a vision for the future. All of this would be impossible without regular worship each day and times of fellowship. After the hard work of each day, many of the delegates could be found in the kegelbahn, which is a uniquely German version of bowling!

In between sessions and workshops, there were lots of opportunities for networking and small meetings that are better in person instead of online.

On Thursday night, Bishop Mark Edington gave out awards to several lay leaders who did excellent work across Europe. Some were recognised for their work with youth, or refugees, or helping to sustain the work of the Episcopal Church. The musical highlight of the event was the Theodicy Jazz Collective from Yale University who played at two of the worship services and an evening concert.

Archdeaconry Synod 2026

From Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 2026, the Chaplain President attended the Archdeaconry Synod of the Diocese in Europe’s Archdeaconry of Northwest Europe, which includes the Deanery of Belgium and Luxembourg.

The archdeaconry synod this year included presentations from the new diocesan secretary, Mervyn McCullogh, about the work for decency and equality for women done by the Mothers' Union, about work on peace and reconciliation spearheaded by our own Canon Jean-Bosco Turahirwa. The usual fellowship took place around meals in the beautiful surroundings of the Oude Abdij van Drongen.

On Friday afternoon, the Central Committee presented its annual report to the Anglican Council of Belgium and Luxembourg. This asbl/vzw contributes financially to the work of the Central Committee and it was a chance to share what our office does during the year, to share about upcoming events and to answer questions from the Belgian parishes.
A copy of the full report can be found here and below is the video version.

Vice-Président participe à la journée d'échanges à Saint-Gilles

Le 29 septembre, le Vice-Président a participé à la journée « Bridging Beliefs » à la Maison communale de Saint-Gilles, aux côtés du Bourgmestre ainsi que des représentants des différents cultes et des philosophies non confessionnelles actives sur la commune. Cette rencontre riche en échanges a permis de réfléchir ensemble aux moyens de renforcer le vivre-ensemble, de favoriser le dialogue interconvictionnel et de développer des actions solidaires au bénéfice de tous les habitants. Une conviction forte s’est dégagée des discussions : construire une communauté plus unie passe avant tout par l’écoute de l’autre, le respect mutuel et l’engagement commun au service du bien commun.

Preaching & Pastoral Care: Prison Chaplain training

On Wednesday 23 September 2026, the Anglican Institute in Belgium held a Prison Chaplain Training day for all of its Anglican Prison Chaplains. The team continues to grow with several new volunteer prison chaplains in addition to the stipendiary ones. The topic was: Preaching & Pastoral care.

The day began with a prayer service in French led by The Reverend Charles Kabera highlighting the power of a chaplain to open the door of a locked heart in each of us. During this time of prayer, we remembered the Revd Dr. Hector Patmore, who had just submitted his application form to become a volunteer prison chaplain before leaving on his hiking trip in Scotland where he had a tragic accident that claimed his life.

The Interim-Principal gave two lectures on preaching as a key work of pastoral ministry within the larger context of the chaplain’s role.

In between the morning and afternoon lectures, the chaplains attended the midday service of Holy Communion at Holy Trinity, Brussels where the Chaplain-President was preaching. In the afternoon, the chaplains spent some time reflecting on the effectiveness of this sermon as a pastoral act.

The group learned a lot and left with new ideas to utilise in their own preaching and ministry.

Let there be music! The Anglican Music Centre

On Monday 21 September 2026, the Interim-Principal of the AIB and the Registrar were pleased to share plans for the launch of a new project: The Anglican Music Centre in Belgium. The zoom meeting drew together music and church leaders from across Belgium who are actively involved in this ministry as part of the newly established Music Council.

It is envisioned that the Anglican Music Centre will be a network to support existing Anglican music events, train people for music ministry of all kinds and to promote Anglican music in the public sphere, as a way of sharing the unique ways that Anglicans in Belgium and beyond express their faith.

Thank you to Toby Wardman for designing a new logo for the Music Centre, seen here. Soon, we hope to lauch a website dedicated to this essential ministry. Stay tuned!!!

In the meantime, singers and musicians who are interested in learning some new music for Advent, should mark 31 October 2026 on their calendar for a workshop at St. John’s, Gent. More information for registration can be found here.

22ᵉ anniversaire à Mons Saint-Esprit

Un moment de joie et de reconnaissance pour les 22 ans de la Communauté de Mons Saint-Esprit

Le dimanche 20 septembre 2026, la Communauté de Mons Saint-Esprit a célébré avec joie son 22ᵉ anniversaire, au cours d’une messe eucharistique placée sous le signe de la fraternité, de la reconnaissance et de l’action de grâce.

À cette occasion, le Révérend Charles Kabera, aumônier des prisons, accompagné du Vice-président du Comité central anglican et coordinateur des aumôniers des prisons, s’est rendu auprès de la communauté pour partager ce moment important de sa vie et l’encourager dans sa mission.

Cette célébration a également été une belle occasion de soutenir et d’encourager Balthazar Nahimana, notre collègue aumônier bénévole, qui assure également le service de Worship Leader et la responsabilité de la Communauté de Mons Saint-Esprit. Par son engagement et sa disponibilité, il contribue à faire vivre la foi, la fraternité et la solidarité au sein de la communauté.

Le Comité Central soutient de bonnes relations entre la Belgique et le Congo

Du 7 au 15 septembre, le chapelain-président s'est rendu au Congo, dans le cadre de son projet "KU Leuven Theo Teams" consacré à l'Afrique centrale ainsi que de son poste au sein de la Représentation permanente anglicane auprès de l'UE. Une série d'entretiens a eu lieu à Kinshasa avec le concours de M. Christian Mbiakop, assistant de recherche. Ces rencontres ont notamment inclus des échanges avec Mme Stéfanie Van Melis, ambassadrice-adjointe de Belgique en RDC, Mgr Georges Andé, archevêque anglican du Congo, et Mgr Achille Mutshindu, évêque anglican de Kinshasa. Le chapelain-président se rendra de nouveau au Congo en mars 2027.

Meeting with HM King Philippe of the Belgians

On 15 September, the Chaplain-President was honoured to represent the Anglicans of Belgium at a private audience with HM the King at the Palais Royal in Brussels, alongside the Minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden and the presidents of other Recognised Religions and Convictions in Belgium. The 90-minute meeting covered a number of subjects highly relevant to the security, wellbeing and common life of Belgian citizens today.

Vaarwel Generaal Bornain

Op 14 september 2026 waren de vice-voorzitter en SARM project manager, Eric Sibomana en secretaris-generaal aanwezig voor een vergadering met de vertegenwoordigers van het Belgische leger. Bij deze vergadering kregen de erkende levensbeschouwingen een update rond de nieuwe wet voor een uitbreiding van spiritueel en morele dienstverlening in het leger. De anglicaanse eredienst is heel dankbaar voor de doorzettingsvermogen van generaal Bornain afgelopen jaren terwijl wij wachten op een koninklijk besluit. Binnenkort stap hij over naar een andere dienst tot zijn pensioen mag beginnen. Hij heeft altijd de beste doelen voor zijn soldaten en nabestanden gezocht. Dank u, generaal en vaarwel.

50 jaar KADOC

Op vrijdag 4 september opende KADOC het jaar van zijn 50-jarig jubileum met een netwerkevenement, dat werd bijgewoond door de tweede secretaris.

KADOC nodigde alle erfgoedgemeenschappen en partners uit om samen na te denken over verleden en toekomst, met een inspirerende panelgesprek met de titel Erfgoedgemeenschappen aan het woord: kansen, uitdagingen en verwachtingen, waaraan vertegenwoordigers van verschillende religieuze en erfgoedgroepen aan het woord waren.

KADOC - Documentatie- en Onderzoekscentrum voor Religie, Cultuur en Samenleving van de KU Leuven - is het centrum dat zich toelegt op de veilige bewaring, het optimale beheer, de dynamische ontsluiting en het wetenschappelijk onderzoek van het historische erfgoed dat het resultaat is van die wisselwerking tussen religie, cultuur en samenleving.

Dank u wel David

Op 31 januari 2012 werd de vzw Comité Anglicaans Godsdienstonderwijs (CAGO) opgericht. Vanaf het begin is David Sayers één van de bestuurders geweest. Vele jaren heeft hij mandaat gehad als penningmeester van deze vzw die verantwoordelijk is voor anglicaans godsdienstonderwijs in openbare scholen in Vlaanderen.

Bij de algemene vergadering 2026 heeft David gezegd dat hij een minder actief rol wil spelen. Op 26 augustus hebben het Centraal Comité, CAGO vzw en de AIB lunch getrakteert voor David met veel dank voor al zijn hulp, advies, expertise en wijsheid door de jaren heen. David blijft als bestuurder maar binnenkort zal een nieuwe penningmeester worden benoemd.

Vice-president's visit to Mozambique and Malawi

Strengthening Church Leaders and Encouraging Refugee Communities

This summer, I was once again privileged to participate in a short mission trip to Malawi. Following last year’s visit, I returned to continue encouraging and strengthening our brothers and sisters in Christ, particularly at Dzaleka Refugee Camp. I am grateful to God for another opportunity to serve alongside our partners in ministry.

Training Rural Pastors in Mozambique

Before my arrival in Malawi, the Exodus Vision USA team, together with one member of our Belgium team, travelled to Tete, Mozambique, where they conducted a Training and Prayer Initiative from 6–15 July 2026.

The retreat brought together 50 rural pastors from underserved communities for an intensive time of biblical teaching, prayer, fellowship, and relationship building. The aim was to equip church leaders with sound theological teaching and practical ministry skills, with a particular emphasis on Christian leadership, forgiveness, and prayer ministry.

Thanks to the generous support received before the trip, Exodus Vision was able to cover transportation for the pastors, accommodation and meals throughout the training, translation of the teaching materials, and printing of course manuals. We also provided evangelistic resources, including Bibles and a Jesus Film projector. Furthermore, each participating pastor received a bicycle, a bag of seeds, and a bag of fertiliser to support both their ministry and their family’s livelihood.

We thank God for His provision and for the lives that were impacted through this initiative.

Ministry in Lilongwe, Malawi

I arrived in Lilongwe, Malawi, on Sunday, 12 July, while the rest of the team was still ministering in Mozambique.

That same morning, I worshipped with the congregation at Saint Thomas Anglican Church in Lilongwe. Later, I had the joy of visiting a branch of St Emmanuel Anglican Church, where mainly Burundian and Rwandan refugees gather to worship and serve the Lord.

From 13–14 July, I spent valuable time meeting with young people living in Lilongwe. These meetings provided opportunities for encouragement, fellowship, and discussing how they can continue growing in their faith while facing the challenges of life away from their home countries.

Visiting Dzaleka Refugee Camp

On 15 July, I was reunited with the rest of the Exodus Vision team as they returned from Mozambique. The following day, we travelled together to Dzaleka Refugee Camp.

Our first visits were to the homes of three pastors, where we had the privilege of spending time with them and their families, listening to their stories, praying together, and encouraging them in their ministry.

We were then warmly welcomed at St Emmanuel Anglican Church, Dzaleka, where we enjoyed fellowship before sharing in a worship service. During our visit, we were also able to see the bakery project that Exodus Vision has helped to support. It was encouraging to witness how this initiative is creating opportunities and providing practical assistance within the refugee community.

After a full and rewarding day, we returned to Lilongwe late that evening.

A Special Family Celebration

While in Malawi, I was also blessed to attend both the traditional and church wedding ceremonies of my niece on 17–18 July.

This was a deeply emotional and joyful occasion. When I first travelled to Malawi on my very first mission trip in 2014, she was only thirteen years old. Seeing her begin this new chapter of her life reminded me not only of God’s faithfulness to our family but also of how much time has passed since those first ministry visits.

Giving Thanks

This mission was another reminder that God’s Kingdom continues to advance through faithful partnerships, generous supporters, and willing servants. Whether through training pastors, encouraging refugee churches, supporting community projects, or simply spending time with people, every encounter demonstrated God’s love in practical ways.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who prayed, gave financially, and supported this mission. Please continue praying for the pastors in Mozambique, the churches in Malawi, and especially the refugee community in Dzaleka, that they may remain steadfast in their faith and continue to be a light for Christ in their communities.

“To God be the glory for all He has done.”

Happy Summer!

We are pleased to inform you that the Central Committee office will remain open during August, although we will be operating on summer hours. Should you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact secretary@anglican.be.

Our entire team will resume regular office hours on September 1st.

We wish you a delightful and restful summer break, and we look forward to meeting again in September.

Pendant le mois d’août, le bureau du Comité central restera ouvert, avec un horaire d'été. Si vous avez des questions, n'hésitez pas à nous contacter à l'adresse suivante : secretary@anglican.be.

Toute l'équipe reprendra ses activités le 1er septembre.

Nous vous souhaitons d'agréables et reposantes vacances d'été, et nous nous réjouissons de vous retrouver après la rentrée.

Graag informeren wij jullie dat het bureau van het Centraal Comité open blijft gedurende augustus, met zomeropeningstijden. Mocht u vragen hebben, aarzel dan niet om contact met ons op te nemen via secretary@anglican.be.

Het hele team zal weer aan de slag gaan op 1 september.

Wij wensen iedereen een prettige en ontspannen zomervakantie en kijken ernaar uit om elkaar in september weer te zien.

Summer School Thursday

Summer School continued on Thursday 23 July 2026 in Utrecht. The lectures on this day were:

Bishop Mark Edington of the Episcopal Convocation in Europe talked about Diasporic Anglicanism in Europe, dating from the pre-Reformation times up to today.

Prof. Martyn Percy gave an overview of the ways that Anglicans live their faith in the public square.

Prof. Kathy Grieb invited us to look at current points of division in the Anglican Communion in historical perspective. Comparisons were made about the current debates around human sexuality and the Civil Rights movement in the United States and the ordination of women in the Anglican church.

The Rev. Dr. Chuck Robertson gave a talk about the current state of the Anglican Communion and the structures which hold us together as a worldwide part of the Body of Christ.

The day closed with a Eucharistic liturgy which brought together liturgies, music and prayers from across the traditions of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The dinner provided by In De Driehoek was stellar which is consistent with their generous hospitality throughout the week.

Summer School Wednesday

The lectures on day 4, Wednesday 22 July 2026, of the Summer School in Utrecht proved to be somber reminders that the spread of Anglicanism in Europe and across the Atlantic cannot be considered separately from the colonial enterprise that fuelled and supported the British empire. 

Prof. Jack McDonald discussed about the Colonial spread: Complicity in the Triangle Trade and Anglicanism in Africa in the morning session, and on Anglican Philosophy in the afternoon. 

Prof. Martyn Percy spoke on the Crisis of Colonial Anglicanism in the morning session, and the relationship of Anglicans to the Bible in the afternoon.

As such, the challenge facing Anglican churches now is: how does the undeniable and entangled history of colonialism play out in Anglican churches in Europe, and how are the churches responding to it?

More pertinently, colonial thinking still continue to influence church polity and theology to this day in implicit and explicit ways. (Think: projects and moves for reparations to formerly colonised peoples are hardly funded by the Church, but payments to former English slave-owners after abolition have just finished in 2016!). 

Finally, the sermon of Prof. Charlotte on the historical role of Mary of Magdalene as ‘apostle to the apostles’ and as the one of the first witnesses of the Risen Christ was striking: the male disciples ran away out of fear during and after the crucifixion, and the women who stayed throughout the passion and death of Jesus were given the charge to witness and proclaim to the rest of the community. 

She asked the poignant question: what would happen to the Church when people who have been ‘othered’ for reasons of race, sexuality, nationality, etc. are actually heard when they speak? How would the churches be different?  How would we, as the people of God, change?

The Eucharistic liturgy used a Kenyan rite and the group joyfully ended the day with dinner on Dutch ‘stoofvlees’ (meat stew) prepared generously In De Driehoek. 

Summer School Tuesday

Tuesday 21 July was the third day of the summer school course “Anglicanism in European Perspective” at the University of Utrecht. AIB Interm-Principal and Registrar were present for lectures:

Prof. Martyn Percy spoke about Anglican Ecclesiology

Prof. Kathy Grieb spoke about Liturgy and Sacramentality in the Anglican tradition.

Prof. Charlotte Methuen spoke about the evidence of the episcopate through the history of the Anglican church.

Archdeacon Michael Rusk spoke about Interfaith engagement, specifically between Anglicans and Islam.

Each day starts with Morning Prayer and Bible Study in groups. Then, the group had a service of Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer 1662, followed by a lovely supper provided by In de Driehoek.