A beautiful new home for the Anglican congregation in Ghent


Some marvellous news was received today from the Revd Stephen Murray, the priest-in-charge of St John's Ghent and St George's, Knokke.

The congregation in Ghent will, from this coming Sunday, worship at Sint-Elisabeth Church in the Old Beguinage. The Roman Catholic parish which worshipped there officially closed on 20 December 2015 and by agreement the Anglican congregation will become the sole occupant and user of this venerable and listed building. To mark this historic occasion, this Sunday's service will be a joint liturgy of Morning Prayer with representatives of the previous Roman Catholic congregation. The first Anglican Eucharist in this new home for the congregation will be on 24 January.


The chapel formerly used by the Anglicans was getting too small for the numbers attending public worship and there was no proper Sunday School facilities. This spacious church will be a fitting spiritual home for the vibrant multi-cultural, growing congregation.

Fr Stephen says, "While the new location comes with daunting responsibilities, it also provides immense opportunities for mission & ministry. Despite its challenges, this building is truly a gift from God". From the photos, taken by the priest-in-charge, one can see that this certainly is the case.


Anglican worship in Ghent dates back to 1743.

Fr Stephen is also the Area Dean of Belgium and Luxembourg. (Oh, and incidentally, he is also formerly a priest of the Diocese of Niagara).


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