A digital meeting of the Dialogue Council between the Federal Government and senior representatives of recognized religions and philosophical beliefs (Laïcité) took place on Monday, October 25, 2021, in Brussels.
The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, accompanied by the Minister of Justice and Religious Affairs, Vincent Van Quickenborne, as well as members of the Council of Ministers and the administration of the Ministry of Justice.
The Meeting on behalf of the religions was attended by: Bishop Guy Harpigny (Roman Catholic Church), Pastor Steven Fuite (United Protestant Church of Belgium), Dr. Geert Lorein (Evangelical Churches), Canon Jack Mac Donald (Anglican Church), Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium (Orthodox Church of Belgium), Philippe Markiewicz (Chairman of the Central Administration of the Israelis of Belgium), Mehmet Ustun (Belgian Muslim Executive Board), and Dr. Freddie Mortier (Laïcité). It is noted that the presence of Carlo Luyckx, who was allowed to participate in such a meeting for the first time as President of the Buddhist Association of Belgium, was interesting. Buddhism is expected to be recognized during the current governmental-legislative period.
Following an introduction by the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, who expressed his delight at being able to attend the Meeting for the first time, the debate on various issues raised by the representatives of the various religions in Belgium began.
First, the issue of revising the position of prison priests, necessary for certain religions, was discussed. The second point was the demand for equal treatment of religions and philosophical beliefs, especially concerning their subsidy where there is a large discrepancy. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo referred to the pandemic and expressed the hope that no stricter measures would need to be imposed. He stressed that the current measures must be implemented and that the use of the face mask will again be mandatory in all churches and places of worship in general.
Following the terrorist attacks in Brussels and Paris, a permanent Dialogue between the political authorities and the representatives of the various religions and philosophical beliefs (Laïcité) became necessary. The Dialogue Council was established on April 16, 2016, at a meeting of the federal government and representatives of recognized religions and philosophical beliefs (Laïcité). In a joint statement, they expressed the mutual desire for dialogue and cooperation with respect for the constitutional principle of separation of Church and State, for the fight against all forms of violence.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, expressed the hope that a new Cooperation Meeting will be held soon.
