train crash

Some have asked about the train crash near Brussels. We were not on this train and don't personally know anyone who was. But if you're interested in a report you can take this link.

Flemish Catholics reticent about beliefs

I subscribe to a newspaper called Flanders Today. It is a Flemish news source in English. I thought the following excerpt from an article might give insight into the religious climate of Belgium (Flanders in particular).

Flemish Catholics reticent about beliefs

Three-quarters of observant Flemish Catholics are hesitant about describe themselves as such, according to a poll of the readers of the magazines Tertio and Kerk & Leven. Young people in particular are reluctant to let others know about their faith: 86% said they would keep quiet about it among peers.

The figures are worrying for church leaders, since the polls targeted active church-goers rather than those who are only nominally Catholic. “I think they’re right,” said Kerk & Leven editor Bert Claerhout in De Morgen. “Certainly for young people, it’s not easy to speak up for your beliefs.” The problem helps explain why half of the respondents were in favour of Catholic schools, with a return to catechism lessons.

The article can be read in its entirety here.