More than six out of ten Flemish churches eligible for alternative use

More than six out of ten Flemish churches are eligible for repurposing or a secondary use. This emerged from an analysis of the church policy plans in the various municipalities. Currently, 21 percent of parish churches have already been given a changed function.

Commissioned by Flemish minister of the Interior Hilde Crevits (CD&V), the Platform for the Future of Parish Churches conducted a thorough analysis of all submitted church policy plans. Since 2013, the number of parish churches in Flanders has decreased from 1,786 to approximately 1,600. Of those churches, 21 percent have since been given a different purpose. As many as 206 churches are also used for other activities, while in 171 no religious services are held at all anymore.

The analysis of the church policy plans revealed that municipal authorities are considering repurposing or a secondary use for 60 percent of the parish churches. In practice, 80 percent of churches are already used not only for services but also for activities by municipalities, schools, cultural organizations, or associations.

"Church buildings are often situated in the heart of a community and offer considerable potential to focus on meeting and connection," according to Minister Crevits.

_{#FlandersNewsService | Hilde Crevits © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}