Ban on religious freedom starts in Nevele

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states in Article 18 that everyone is free to believe or not believe as they wish. Articles 19 and 20 of the Belgian constitution also regulate this right. But in Nevele, mayor Johan Cornelis (CD&V) and alderman Mia Pynaert (sp.a) now want to impose a restriction on religious freedom. Only recognized religions are allowed to organize activities in municipal halls. The others will be excluded in the rental regulations.

That sp.a has been fighting against everything Christian for decades, I already knew. Nowadays, they only have an eye for one religion, namely Islam. But that CD&V suddenly reclaims the position of the Catholic Party that wants to keep out other (Christian) religions, greatly surprises me.

Religious freedom limited to recognized religions

The Nevele administration mainly claims to want to protect itself against sects such as Scientology and Jehovah's Witnesses. But who determines who is a dangerous sect and who is not? After all, there are only six recognized religions in Belgium:

• the Roman Catholic (from the beginning of the Belgian state);
• the Orthodox (1985);
• the Israelite (1808);
• the Anglican (1835);
• the Protestant-Evangelical (1876, amended in 2000);
• the Islamic (1974);

Furthermore, there is also organized secularism. Buddhism is not recognized, but does receive a subsidy.

Mormons not welcome in Nevele?

But as a Mormon, I can forget about presenting our church in Nevele. Our church in Ghent will be renovated this spring, but we already know that we don't have to move to Nevele.

Is this restriction on religious freedom already a consequence of Trump? Perhaps the US Muslim ban seems like a distant problem, but you see that it can also happen closer to home.

I hope (and pray), however, that the Nevele administration will realize that it is violating both our constitution and human rights.