Devil installed in confessional with Church's blessing

Duvel - Flemish dialect word for Devil -  beer vending machine in confessional in Antwerp: “The diocese even thought it was a good idea” 

Antwerp “Is this really how we treat our ecclesiastical heritage?” Outrage has arisen on social media regarding two confessionals in the former Church of Our Lady of Grace on Frankrijklei, which has served as the foyer of Theater Elckerlyc since last year. You can no longer go there to confess your sins, but you can to buy tokens or tap a Duvel 6.66%.

Although both confessionals have been part of the foyer for more than a year, a new debate arose this week after a theatergoer shared a photo of the token vending machine in a confessional on Facebook. The person in question criticized the way religious heritage is being handled. The numerous responses show that the repurposing of ecclesiastical elements remains a sensitive subject for some people, even though the Church of Our Lady of Grace has been deconsecrated for quite some time and the building now has a new function.

The church, which dates from 1878, stood empty for years. Until 2022, the building was part of the Our Lady College. When the deconsecrated church was offered for sale a few years ago, Theater Elckerlyc saw an opportunity to expand its infrastructure. Today, the building serves as a foyer for theatergoers, but also as a meeting place for local residents.

And telephones in another confessional

Respect

According to director Nico Warrinnier, the indignation regarding the confessionals is completely unnecessary. “The repurposing was carried out with respect for the building's heritage,” he emphasizes. “The church is a protected monument, and therefore certain conditions apply. For instance, everything must be able to be restored to its original state.”

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