Dutch diocese to close over 75% of parishes

February 10, 2015

In the next three years, the number of parishes in the Dutch diocese of Groningen-Leeuwarden will be reduced from 80 to 19, according to L’Osservatore Romano.

Bishop Gerard de Korte, who has led his diocese since 2008, said that a “new missionary strategy” was needed and that the reduction should be looked upon as a time of opportunity, not of despair.

“Eighty communities of faith will remain,” added the bishop, who said that the communities could share space with a Protestant church or meet in school auditoriums.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Per essere Chiesa nei Paesi Bassi (L’Osservatore Romano, p. 6)