Evangelical church ‘Pottenbakker’ officially recognized

For years there was uncertainty among local faith communities whether they could ever be recognized due to the lack of clear recognition conditions. Flemish Minister of the Interior Bart Somers changed this this legislature with a new recognition decree. Clear conditions apply within the decree, such as the prohibition of foreign financing and interference. In addition, the minister set up a Flemish Information and Screening Service to monitor and support local faith communities where necessary.

Today, seven years after the last recognitions, Somers proceeds to recognize two Protestant churches, two Orthodox churches and two mosques. One of the two Protestant churches is the evangelical church ‘Pottenbakker’ in Kortrijk.

Different advice

Normally, the faith communities have to go through a four-year procedure, but the new decree provides for a one-off shortened procedure of one year. In it, the religious communities are subjected to all kinds of checks. State security, the military intelligence service, the federal and local police and the Immigration Office, among others, give their advice. Ultimately, the minister decides whether or not to grant recognition.