Meltdown in Belgian Church continues

Church in Wilrijk to be converted into a gym, 6 other Antwerp churches also to be given a new purpose

In Wilrijk, the Parish Church of Sint-Jan Maria Vianney is being converted into a large gym. The city announced this during a press conference on the new church policy plan. In addition to the church in Wilrijk, 6 other churches are being given a new purpose.

The City of Antwerp and the Diocese have jointly drawn up a new church policy plan for 2025-2030. The plan offers a long-term vision for the future of 59 Roman Catholic parish churches in Antwerp. Some churches will retain their religious function, but other churches will be given a new social, cultural or social purpose.

The most striking purpose is for the Church of Sint-Jan Maria Vianney. It is being converted into a gym for the Apollo gymnastics club . "This gives our club and our 500 members a huge boost," says Sven Geysemans of Apollo. "During the day and during school holidays, we do not need our hall, so the church can accommodate schools, associations and various activities."

Mixed feelings for the Bishop

In addition to the Church in Wilrijk, there are 6 other churches that will be given a different purpose. "Some of them will go to other Christian communities," says Stijn De Rooster (N-VA), alderman for Religious Services. "One will also go to an architectural firm, another will be used as a theatre in the future. In addition to these 7 churches that will be given a new purpose in the short term, another 7 will be added in the coming year."

Antwerp bishop Johan Bonny has mixed feelings about the repurposing of the various churches. "I would perhaps have preferred to have been bishop 50 years earlier because then I could still consecrate new churches everywhere," says Bonny. "The reality is unfortunately different today, but I am not leaving this church in Wilrijk with tears in my eyes. I am happy that a social project for young people is being given a place here."

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