On 19 November, Bishop Robert (Innes) and Bishop Andrew (Norman) participated in a Royal Evensong at Holy Trinity Brussels, in the presence of HM King Philippe of the Belgians. The occasion for the celebration was the 150th anniversary of Léopold II’s decree founding the Anglican Central Committee in Belgium, which its Chaplain-President, Canon Jack McDonald, describes as the constitutional adaptor which enables the three-pin Church of England plug to fit into the two-hold Belgian socket.
A packed pro-cathedral welcomed a wide array of Belgian national life: Annelies Verlinden (Minister of Justice) and her cabinet, General Régis Bornain, the “chefs de culte” (the presidents of the recognised faith-groups in Belgium), the papal nuncio, ambassadors and chargés d’affaires from the UK, Canada, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan, many ecumenical and interfaith partners, and of course clergy and parishioners from all our chaplaincies in Belgium.
Canon Jack and the other members of the Anglican Central Committee (lay readers Eric Sibomana and Grace West Adenekan) welcomed King Philippe and introduced him to Bishop Robert, Bishop Mark Edington of the Episcopal Church and Canon Arani Sen (the new canon chancellor of Holy Trinity) for a pre-service discussion on matters of interest to the Palace and the Anglican Church. The service followed, presided by Bishop Robert, who also preached, with wonderful music offered by two Holy Trinity choirs in both European and African traditions.
After the service, the King met the organiser of the Community Kitchen, Gayl Russell, and her team, before touring the tables of guests, who were sampling food prepared by the Community Kitchen. The Anglican Central Committee presented King Philippe with framed press-cuttings of the last royal visit to Holy Trinity, by King Baudouin in 1953, and other gifts. It was a very meaningful occasion which underlined the role which Anglicans have in Belgian public life and we are so grateful to King Philippe for honouring us with his presence.
Bishop Robert said:
I want to communicate my great delight and joy at the service we held at Holy Trinity Brussels on Wednesday to celebrate 150 years of the recognition of Anglicanism in Belgium. Our special guest was King Philippe, the King of the Belgians. The service was a complete triumph. The music was astonishingly beautiful. We had a service of Choral Evensong with two bishops, Bishop Mark from the American Convocation and myself present. I was honoured to preach before the King and following the service, we enjoyed food from the Community Kitchen in Holy Trinity, Brussels.
Philippe, King of the Belgians was hugely impressed by what he experienced. He loved the music, he deeply appreciated conversations with ministers and laypeople from Anglican churches in Belgium. And he said it was an experience that he would never forget. I felt hugely honoured and privileged to be a part of what was a truly wonderful celebration of Anglican life in Belgium. And I came away with a deeper appreciation for the huge responsibilities that our King carries and the determination to want to pray for him and to support him in all the work that he does in our country
The Minister of Justice, Annelies Verlinden shared on social media:
As a minister that oversees religions in Belgium, I strongly believe that religious communities can help governments in their efforts to create a more just and peaceful society.
Despite their differences, recognized religious services and philosophies share a common goal: a humane world, a society with well-being for all, freedom, peace, tolerance, and the preservation of the democratic, constitutional rule of law.
I find that aspect heartwarming in a world full of challenges, disruption, and individualism, war, and geopolitical problems. In my political role, and in particular in my position as Minister of Justice, focusing on what is meaningful is a common thread. The awareness of being part of a larger whole gives me the strength to stay the course, even in turbulent waters.