From 16-20 July, the Chaplain-President was excited to participate in a new initiative of Bishop Mark's (The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe), a summer school organised at the Universiteit Utrecht for students interested in knowing more about the Anglican tradition. Fifteen students came to this inaugural week, where a variety of eminent Anglican commentators lectured on various topics, where worship was experienced using a variety of Anglican liturgies and where impeccable hospitality was offered at St Gertrude's Old Catholic Cathedral. The Chaplain-President lectured on Anglican ethics, Anglican sacramental theology, Anglican social teaching and Anglicanism in Europe. We hope that this summer school becomes an annual event in the European Anglican calendar.
KU Leuven Theo Teams: "Rite zaïrois & authenticité mobutiste"
On 7 July, the Chaplain-President, as guest-professor in KU Leuven, met with one of his PhD students, Nathan Ngoy, to discuss the next stages in the 2023-24 KU Leuven Theo Teams project on the relationship between President Mobutu and Cardinal Malula which the Chaplain-President is coordinating and for which M. Ngoy will be the academic assistant. A diverse team of 8 researchers will use their expertise and learning to analyse the turbulent relationship between the President of DRC-Zaïre and the Cardinal-Archbishop of Kinshasa, hopefully to tease out possible pointers for interconvictional dialogue in Africa and Europe today.
Graduation Day in KU Leuven
On 6 July, the Chaplain-President, as stipendiary guest-professor in systematic theology, was delighted to be present at the graduation ceremony and the faculty dinner for the Faculteit Theologie en Religiewetenschappen KU Leuven. Both events were fine occasions to hear the Dean, Prof Bénédicte Lemmelijn, give excellent speeches praising the students and the teachers of the faculty. A reception followed the graduation, allowing students and staff to mingle and talk. The dinner included PhD students with teaching responsibilities in the faculty, allowing a fair bit of supervision work to be conducted during a superb meal!
Farewell service for Canon Paul Vrolijk
On 2 July, the Chaplain-President was honoured to represent the Central Committee at the farewell service for the Reverend Canon Dr Paul Vrolijk, Canon Chancellor of Holy Trinity Brussels since 2015. Paul preached at a service in which many colleagues, including the Reverends John Wilkinson, Annie Bolger, Jean-Bosco Turahirwa, Charles Kabera and Jack McDonald, were pleased to stand with Paul as he bade farewell to his Holy Trinity Brussels family. A lavish and varied parish lunch followed the service. We wish Paul and his lovely family all good things and Godspeed as they move on to new challenges, and we delight that they are set to remain in Brussels for a time.
Humanitarian Corridors in Leuven update
The Revd Catriona Laing writes:
'Dear Colleagues,
I am delighted to let you know that Mishleen and Marian have arrived safely in Belgium and are beginning to settle into their new lives in Leuven. They are the two sisters from Syria who our churches are supporting through the Humanitarian Corridors scheme and at St Martha & St Mary’s, we are incredibly grateful for the generous support of the Anglican chaplaincies in Belgium.
As you will all appreciate, being able to speak the language is one of the first steps to the integration process and Mishleen and Marian are very keen to start learning Dutch. They have already picked up a few words and are enthusiastic to learn more! In order to follow classes offered by the city or the university in Leuven, they need to be registered with Stad Leuven, which will take several more weeks. In the meantime, we would like to organise private lessons for them, just to help get them started on their Dutch.
To that end, we are seeking donations from churches across our deanery. If any of you, or your congregation members would like to make a donation specifically towards the cost of Dutch classes, we would be extremely grateful. Please mark Humanitarian Corridors Dutch Lessons in the description of your online payment. If you’d like more information about any of this, feel free to contact Catriona Laing, Chaplain of St Martha & St Mary’s.'
If you, your church or someone you know would like to contribute to this project, please transfer the donation to the ACBL asbl/vzw bank account:
Bank: BNP Paribas Fortis
IBAN: BE25 0018 8280 7382
BIC:GEBABEBB
* Please be sure to include the message: “Humanitarian Corridors support”
Article 17 dialogue at European Parliament
On 27 June, the Chaplain-President, in his capacity as Bishop Robert's adviser for EU affairs, attended a full Article 17 dialogue at the European Parliament, on the subject of the religious and philosophical implications of the European Single Market. The Chaplain-President was able to table a key question during the dialogue about how the Single Market conforms or does not conform to each conviction's body of social ethics. Many thanks to Dr Nicola Censini, the European Parliament's coordinator for Article 17 Dialogue, for organising such a captivating and popular session.
Réunion du groupe de recherche Cares Brussels
Le 26 juin, a présidé le chapelain-président une réunion du groupe de recherche universitaire Cares Brussels (caresbrussels.org). Il a pu annoncer à cette occasion le succès de sa demande de bourse auprès du fonds Theo Teams de la KU Leuven pour un projet académique qui porte sur les relations entre le président Mobutu et le cardinal Malula au Congo-Zaïre. Les conversations à caractère afropéen sont importantes pour le Comité central dans le contexte d'un anglicanisme belge qui s'africanise de plus en plus.
New 2nd Secretary of the Central Committee
Een nieuwe 2de secretaris van het Centraal Comité.
Un nouveau 2e secrétaire du Comité central.
The Central Committee of the Anglican Church in Belgium is pleased to welcome Rebecca Breekveldt as 2nd Secretary, as of 1 August 2023.
Het Centraal Comité van de Anglicaanse Eredist in België is blij om Rebecca Breekveldt te verwelkomen als 2de secretaris vanaf 1 augustus 2023.
Le Comité Central du Culte Anglican en Belgique a le plaisir d'accueillir Rebecca Breekveldt au poste de 2e secrétaire, à partir du 1er août 2023.
Rebecca is an active member at St. Martha & St. Mary's, Leuven and she has been involved in the local team to welcome 2 refugees as part of the Humanitarian Corridors programme. Rebecca currently works as a freelance translator and copywriter. Her languages include: English, Dutch, Spanish, French and German. Rebecca is a self-confessed 'third culture kid' who has lived in many different countries but now calls Belgium home. We are thrilled that she has accepted this position.
Rebecca is actief in de parochie St. Martha & St. Mary's te Leuven. Ze is ook betrokken bij het lokale team voor de opvang van 2 vluchtelingen in het kader van het Humanitarian Corridors-programma. Rebecca werkt tegenwoordig als zelfstandige vertaler en copywriter. Haar talen zijn: Engels, Nederlands, Spaans, Frans en Duits. Volgens Rebecca is ze een 'derde-cultuur-kind' die in verschillende landen heeft gewoond maar nu België haar thuis noemt.
Rebecca est une membre active de la paroisse St. Martha & St. Mary's, à Louvain, et elle a participé à l'équipe locale qui a accueilli deux réfugiées dans le cadre du programme Couloirs Humanitaires. Rebecca travaille actuellement comme traductrice et rédactrice indépendante. Ses langues sont : l'anglais, le néerlandais, l'espagnol, le français et l'allemand. Rebecca se définit elle-même comme une "enfant de la troisième culture" qui a vécu dans de nombreux pays, mais qui se sent aujourd'hui chez elle en Belgique.
Rebecca will help with the administration of Anglican churches in Belgium, stipends & pensions, visas, and more. Her regular office days will be Mondays and Wednesdays + teleworking. As of 1 August, you can reach Rebecca at: admin@anglican.be
Rebecca zal helpen met de administratie van Anglicaanse kerken in België, wedden en pensioenen, visums en nog meer. Haar vaste werkdagen zijn maandag en woensdag + telewerken. Vanaf 1 augustus kun je Rebecca bereiken op: admin@anglican.be
Rebecca aidera à l'administration des églises anglicanes en Belgique, aux salaires et pensions, aux visas, et plus encore. Ses jours de travail habituels seront les lundis et mercredis + télétravail. A partir du 1er août, vous pourrez joindre Rebecca à : admin@anglican.be
Lay-reader licensing in Leuven
On 25 June, the Central Committee was out in force at St Martha and St Mary's Anglican Church Leuven to license Sarah Jones as a lay reader in the Church of England. The Chaplain-President, as the former chaplain in Leuven who was initially responsible for Sarah's training, the Vice-President - as the current chaplain in Leuven responsible for Sarah's training, the Secretary-General - as Area Dean of Belgium and Luxembourg and Bishop’s Commissary responsible for licensing Sarah in the Diocese in Europe, and Rebecca Breekveldt - the newly-appointed 2nd Secretary were all present for the occasion, which was followed by a lovely coffee-hour in the sunshine outside the Pauscollege, where the Anglican parish holds its morning services. Welcome, Sarah: we look forward to experiencing your ministry of preaching, teaching and pastoral care in the years to come!
EMOUNA 2022-2023
One of our Anglican prison chaplains, Mrs Grace West, has just graduated from the Emouna Belgique course. Here are her impressions:
“It was a great privilege for me to have been part of the Emouna group for this academic year. Emouna is a course I would recommend for my colleagues who are involved in different ministries: it works to bring together people of all faiths and backgrounds. It is a course that is very rich and instructive, with good speakers and with a well-organised committee. I am glad I accepted the proposal from the Anglican Church to join Emouna. The themes and trainings presented in Emouna address the challenges we face in our society today, as an individual or groups, and how we can all live together in unity, love and harmony. It also teaches about the importance of dialogue, respect and acceptance of others whose beliefs are different from ours. I was really touched from the beginning by the visits to all the different places of worships and by the warm fellowship. This prepared me/us mentally, morally and spiritually. It is very important to know, understand and accept others without any prejudice. The course is an ice-breaker! Emouna is also more like an eye-opener to me, as it helps one to see and know we can all live together in peace to make this world a better place for humanity. Emouna is all about dialogue, empathy, tolerance and love of others. Through Emouna, I have gained more knowledge and skills to help me in my ministry as a prison chaplain, as I continue to work with people of different backgrounds, cultures and faiths. I was able to learn so much from all the different speakers on how our world functions today, understanding the relationship between religion and public and social life. Together, we can make this world a better place despite all our differences. Every one of us has a mission and contribution to make, for peace, unity, justice and love to reign in our world. Special thanks to the Central Committee and the Church for all the financial, spiritual and moral supports.” -Grace West
VILD voorzitterschap
Op 23 juni 2023 vond een vergadering van het Vlaamse Interlevensbeschouwelijke Dialoog plaats bij Holy Trinity Brussel onder de voorzitterschap van de anglicaanse eredienst. De Kapelaan-voorzitter en Secretaris-generaal hebben iedereen verwelkomd. Onder andere was er discussie rond de stand van zaken voor de erkenning van nieuwe geloofsgemeenschappen in Vlaanderen, wat toelichting over de verwachte erkenning van de boeddhisten, en een korte schets van de rooms katholieke kerk over de nieuwe aartsbisschop van Mechelen.
Clergy Chapter BE_LU
On Wednesday 21 June 2023, Holy Trinity, Brussels hosted a meeting of the Anglican clergy from Belgium and Luxembourg. These regular gatherings give clergy a chance to support one another in prayer and fellowship as well as get updates on news from across the Deanery. the meeting took place both in-person and with participation on Zoom. Thanks to Canon Paul Vrolijk for Chairing the meeting due to the Secretary General being called away to a meeting with the Belgian Ministry of Justice.
Visit of Christians Aware group to Brussels
On 18 June, the Chaplain-President was delighted to speak to a group of ten visitors from Christians Aware, a UK charity working for justice and peace: Home (christiansaware.co.uk), who had come to Belgium to experience Anglican multicultural and interfaith ministries at first hand. Our picture shows the group at the ecumenical Chapelle de l'Europe listening to three prominent Anglican commentators on Europe: Mr Guy Milton (a head of unit in the Council of the EU), Prof Peter Ludlow (founder of EuroComment, the most influential journal of European Council affairs: European Council | Eurocomment) and Mrs Carole Ludlow (a key player in Eurocomment). The Chaplain-President's presentation concentrated on the future of Anglicanism in Europe in the light of Brexit.
Memorial service for Mme Frieda Mukanyangezi
On 17 June, the Chaplain-President was honoured to attend the memorial service at Holy Trinity Brussels for Madame Frieda Mukanyangezi, the mother of Eric Sibomana, who had long been a fervent and faithful member of Holy Trinity before her death during the covid pandemic. Frieda survived the genocide in Rwanda before settling in Belgium. She was able to deploy her sincere and deep faith to tap into reserves of forgiveness, reconciliation and help for other refugees which were an example to all.
The Chaplain-President's words at the wake are here: "Frieda était l'une des premières personnes à me parler lorsque je suis arrivé à Holy Trinity en 2011. Elle m'a immédiatement invité dîner pour me raconter l'histoire de l'action de Dieu dans sa vie, même à travers des terribles événements survenus au Rwanda. Elle était toujours courtoise ; elle m'assurait toujours de ses prières. Je la voyais très souvent lorsque je venais dans l'église au hasard en semaine : toujours assise en train de lire sa Bible et de prier. Un moment fort pour moi est quand, devant une audience de 25 chanoines-théologiens illustres venus de partout l'Eglise anglicane, elle a donné son témoignage pendant une bonne heure, en janvier 2017 : tout le monde a été ému et encouragé par son témoignage. Nous ne connaissons pas l'intimité de la volonté de Dieu, mais s'il y a jamais eu une personne dont nous pouvons être confiants qu'elle est maintenant avec le Christ dans le giron de Dieu, c'est bien Frieda. Que Dieu te bénisse, ma chère soeur, et paix à ton âme."
Talbot House
Le 14 juin, M. Eric Sibomana, membre du Comité central, coordinateur des aumôniers anglicans de prison et lay-reader anglican, a été ravi d'être invité par le SARM de la Défense (c-à-d le Service d'assistance religieuse et morale) à une réunion qui s'est tenue à Talbot House à Poperinge (Talbot House museum) entre les aumôneries militaires britannique (Royal Army Chaplains' Department | The British Army (mod.uk)) et belge (Service d'Assistance Religieuse et Morale - YouTube).
OCJB
On 13 June, the Chaplain-President represented the Anglican Church at a meeting of the OCJB, the Organe de Consultation entre Chrétiens et Juifs en Belgique / Overlegorgaan van Christen en Joden in België, held at the Great Synagogue in Brussels. Among several dialogues undertaken by the Central Committee, the OCJB is the dialogue which specifically concerns Jews and Christians. On this occasion, M. Samuel Goblet presented his 2021 book Jean-Paul II, le pape des juifs from his own Jewish perspective. This led to a long and fruitful discussion on whether Judaism was intrinsic or extrinsic to Christianity.
Finding refuge
On Saturday 10 June 2023, the Vice-president of the Central Committee, The Revd Catriona Laing, Ms. Karen Papellero from St. Martha & St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Leuven, and the Secretary-General greeted 24 Syrian newcomers to Belgium at Zaventem airport. This is the second time that the Anglican Church in Belgium has partnered with Humanitarian Corridors & Sant’Egidio to sponsor and welcome a family from Syria.
Marianne & Mishleen are in their early 20’s and will be living in Leuven. The local Anglican church will help them in many practical ways on a daily basis, as well as guiding them through the asylum seeking application process, and to help them integrate. A team of volunteers has been preparing their apartment for weeks and are they thrilled that Mishleen & Marianne have finally arrived!
Thankfully, their parents and younger brother have also been welcomed by a Roman Catholic parish in Antwerpen. This means that the family was able to travel together and the sisters will be able to live independently with students of the same age. Of course, the family will learn a lot about the trains in Belgium whenever they want to visit each other. An added blessing is that some cousins came to Belgium during the first edition of Humanitarian Corridors in 2019 and are able to translate Dutch and Arabic which should help them as well.
It is never easy to leave your home and start to make a new life in a new country. We give thanks that they have made it this far and we are honoured to walk together with them on this part of their journey. We wish all of them many happy and joy-filled years in Belgium.
Anglican-German Protestant relations
On 13 June, the Chaplain-President, in his capacity as Bishop Robert's adviser for EU affairs, was delighted to be received at the EKD Haus by Katrin Hatzinger, director of the EKD office in Brussels, for coffee and talk about ways in which Anglicans and German Protestants can work together in the EU institutions.
Conference on Syria
On 12 June, the Chaplain-President, in his capacity as Bishop Robert's adviser for EU affairs, represented the Anglican Church at a conference organised by COMECE on the current civil war in Syria. We were privileged to hear from Syrians actually involved in social care on the ground on behalf of Catholic humanitarian agencies, and to learn more about the ultra-delicate political situation in Syria and how the Christian Churches, especially Orthodox and Catholic, are well-placed to offer non-political social help and assistance. The conference was followed by a delicious Syrian meal.
Baptême à Wavre
Le 10 juin, le chapelain-président a eu le plaisir de baptiser Charles Morelle Henry, dont il avait déjà présidé le mariage des parents, en l'église St-Jean-Baptiste de Wavre, avec l'aimable autorisation et l'accueil chaleureux du curé catholique, père André Sarota. L'église a une histoire célèbre à l'épicentre de la bataille de Wavre qui s'est passée le même jour que celle de Waterloo, le 18 juin 1815 : des troupes prussiennes se sont réfugiées des boulets français à l'intérieur de l'église - un énorme boulet reste enfoncé dans un pilier ! Le baptême de Charles se déroulait loin de ces ennuis : c'est un moment de bonheur total, de consécration de sa vie et de son avenir à la grâce et à l'amour de Dieu.
