The Hague’s migrant church communities finally have a home. Earlier this month, the former school building on Weimarstraat opened its doors with an opening ceremony themed “Space for Religion.” Besides migrant churches, other religious and philosophical organizations have also moved into the building, focusing on encounters, dialogue, and interfaith collaboration. Alderman Hilbert Bredemeijer (Faith Organizations) officially opened the doors on 16 November, along with dozens of religious organizations.
After the joyful opening act by the choir “Voices of Light,” attendees dispersed throughout the building. From the Ethiopian Church to the Ukrainian Church, a diverse group of international and migrant churches gathered in their potential new place of worship. A range of religious and philosophical organizations also offered three workshops to help them get to know each other better. This physical space in the city offers religious organizations the opportunity to connect more frequently and find each other more quickly when needed or desired. With the addition of the Wijkpaleis Weimar neighborhood initiative, the building will become a meeting place for the entire neighborhood with great potential for social collaboration.
Alderman Bredemeijer: “With the opening of this building, we have finally found a home for migrant churches in The Hague. Religious organizations, such as churches, mosques, temples, and everything within them, are of great social importance to The Hague and society as a whole. We must cherish them and support them wherever possible. I am proud that not only the migrant church communities, but also other religious organizations and Wijkpaleis Weimar, have found a place for their activities. A long-held wish, both socially and politically, has thus been fulfilled.”
Throughout the Netherlands, religious organizations are struggling to find suitable space for their celebrations and activities, and this shortage is even more acute for many migrant churches. The municipality of The Hague has therefore partnered with HUB, the umbrella organization for international and migrant church communities in The Hague, to find suitable locations for these growing communities.
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Photographer Phil Nijhuis
Text: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation: The Hague Online