Visit of the Revd Dr Michael Rusk to Brussels

On 17-18 May, Michael Rusk, rector of Emmanuel Church Geneva and responsible for clergy discernment in the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, visited Holy Trinity Brussels, first to give a lecture to the Anglican Institute in Belgium on Anglicans in Dialogue - on the different ways in which the two Anglican provinces represented in most of continental Europe (Church of England and Episcopal Church USA) approach their vocation, mission and ministry; then to attend the graduation ceremony of the Centre for Peace and the Transformation of Conflicts run at Holy Trinity Brussels by Canon Jean-Bosco Turahirwa. An Episcopal Church ordinand being trained by the Anglican Institute in Belgium was graduating and Michael naturally wanted to come and support him.

Eucharistie d'action de grâce pour les 57 ans de Sant'Egidio

On 18 May, the Chaplain-President was honoured to attend a mass at Notre-Dame aux Riches Claires, Brussels to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the foundation of Sant'Egidio, a Catholic charity which works tirelessly for the disadvantaged in Europe and the Middle East, especially in organising the Humanitarian Corridor to enable refugees to be welcomed and helped to integrate into Western European countries. The Central Committee has had a wonderful relationship with Sant'Egidio in recent years, welcoming three refugee families from Syria to our parishes in Gent and Leuven (one of our photos shows the Chaplain-President and Secretary-General with one of these families). The mass was concelebrated by Mgr Guy Harpigny, bishop of Tournai, and several Catholic priests, one of whom was Père Jérôme Bountsébé from Cameroon, one of Jack's PhD students in KU Leuven.

Ecole Doctorale de la FUTP Bruxelles

Le 14 mai, après son congé de maladie, le chapelain-président a eu le plaisir de réintégrer l'école doctorale de la FUTP Bruxelles en sa qualité de professeur titulaire, d'assister à la conférence de la prof. Silvia Mancini (de l'Université de Lausanne) sur les relations entre le religion et la culture sous-jacante, et de faire le point avec ses propres doctorants Nathan Ngoy et Silvère Olongo : de bonnes retrouvailles !

Waarom zijn de anglicanen ook geïnteresseerd in Paus Leo XIV?

Afgelopen weekend werd deze vraag aan de kapelaan-voorzitter gesteld. Het Centraal Comité heeft minstens twee antwoorden:

Eerst, de Kerk van Engeland was in gemeenschap met de rooms-katholieke kerk van 597 tot 1534, wat een veel langere periode is dan onze scheiding van de kerk van Rome. Net als de orthodoxe kerken zien wij paus Leo XIV als patriarch van het Westen en een vader in God. Paus Leo is het spirituele hoofd van 1,5 miljard rooms-katholieken wereldwijd, wat de grootste religieuze groepering ter wereld is zonder vergelijking. Bovendien is hij  het hoofd van Vaticaanstad. Dus beleefdheid, goede manieren en oecumenische interesse versterken ons verlangen om belangstelling te tonen voor paus Leo, voor hem te bidden en (ondanks de bekende doctrinaire verschillen tussen Canterbury en Rome) hem te steunen en samen te werken met de Kerk die hij leidt. 

Ons tweede antwoord komt voort na de gruwelijk islamofobische moord op 25 april in Frankrijk op Aboubakar Cissé, die 57 keer werd neergestoken terwijl hij onschuldig een bezoeker rondleidde in een moskee waar hij vrijwilliger was. In een wereld vol verschrikkingen herinnert deze misdaad ons eraan dat onwetendheid, onverschilligheid en het weigeren om in dialoog te gaan met mensen die anders zijn dan wij, een voedingsbodem vormt voor vervolging, moord en oorlog. Wij zijn dankbaar dat België een systeem heeft van erkende levensbeschouwingen die niet alleen worden aangemoedigd maar ook verplicht zijn om te praten, te dialogeren en samen te werken. Wij zijn vereerd en verheugd om deel te nemen aan deze dialoog, in het vertrouwen dat deze de wereld kan veranderen. Onze foto laat zien hoe wij dat deze week met alle andere erkende levensbeschouwingen hebben gedaan. 

In deze geest zeggen we nogmaals: God zegene Paus Leo.

Meeting of the FIDIF

On 12 May, The Chaplain-President, Secretary-General and Second Secretary welcomed at Holy Trinity Brussels the Fidif, the informal body of the heads of the recognised convictions which meets to prepare for the formal meetings of the chefs de culte and the federal government, called the Dialoograad/Conseil de Dialogue. A very full agenda of current topics was discussed.

Election of Pope Leo XIV

The Central Committee expresses its joy at the election by the College of Cardinals in Rome on 8 May of Cardinal Robert Prevost as pope. The new Pope Leo XIV is the first pope to come from North America, and the first native English-speaking pope to be elected since the Englishman Adrian IV in 1154. With a father of French origin and a mother of Spanish origin, and after a priesthood and episcopate exercised largely in Peru, Pope Leo is a truly international figure. Our friend Archbishop Luc knows him well following several visits to Belgium, the most recent with his predecessor Pope Francis last year. We will keep him in our prayers as he begins his new global ministry, honouring him as patriarch of the West and hoping earnestly for renewed unity, common ground and mutual action between Catholic and Anglican Christians during his pontificate.

Eucharistie à l'occasion de la mort du pape François / Eucharistieviering ter gelegenheid van het overlijden van paus Franciscus

On 24 April, a large Anglican delegation (from the Central Committee: Chaplain-President, Vice-President, Mrs Grace West, Secretary-General, together with Canon John Wilkinson from Holy Trinity Brussels) were honoured to attend a mass in memory and thanks for the life of Pope Francis in the Koekelberg Basilica in Brussels, which although it is Belgium's largest church and the 14th largest church in the world, was full to bursting for the occasion. Mgr Luc Terlinden (Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels), Mgr Franco Coppola (Papal Nuncio to Belgium) and the Catholic bishops of Belgium concelebrated the mass. Mgr Terlinden gave a superb sermon based on Pope Francis' three priorities for mission: evangelism/openness to the world, joy, mercy. Everyone was delighted to welcome King Albert and Queen Paola, who at 90 and 87 are solid proof that age is no barrier. Representatives of Orthodoxy, Protestantism, Islam and Buddhism were also present, underlining the universal appeal of Pope Francis and the determination of the faiths of Belgium to live and work together.

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.