The Liberal Catholic Church
A tri-annual magazine exploring the deeper aspects of religious thought,
experience and practice in the world today
|
|
|
Announcement
For distribution to all parties concerned GES – 12 in Belgium Superceded During the Eleventh General Episcopal Synod, hereinafter referred to as GES-11, Bishop Warnon extended an invitation to the GES that the next Synod be convened in Belgium, as holiday resorts in the beautiful Ardennes offer conference facilities at much reduced rates from September onwards. Other than the magnificence of the Ardennes, there are also other reasons why it would appear to be opportune for the GES to meet in Belgium. Europe is a continent of its own. Its relatively small geographical area is the home to eight Church Provinces, including the Province of Great Britain and Ireland. There are also unattached groups of Liberal Catholics in Italy, Portugal and Andorra, as well as enquirers in other territories such as Poland and Russia.Brussels is now the capital of Europe. Mapping out distances to some major far-off places, Lisbon is 2100 km (1300 mi) away from Brussels, Stockholm 1600 km (1000 mi), and Rome 1500 km (940 mi). On the outer periphery of the Liberal Catholic presence in Europe lies Slovenia of the former Yugoslavia, 3200 km (2000 mi) away, distances easily covered by Europe’s vast rail, road and air infrastructure. Liberal Catholics of the host Province always have an advantage in participating in inter-national events on their soil. In this case, how-ever, the host Province should be seen as the Greater Province of Europe, forging closer links across cultural and language barriers as has never happened before. As the Australian Province extended a warm welcome to Liberal Catholics from all over the world in 1996, so Europe should do the same in 1999. While Belgium has become the hub of the European Community, there are also other cogent reasons why the Belgian Province would like to see an international event taking place on their soil. The Roman Catholic Church is still a powerful player in the political arena in Belgium, her bishops and clergy at times having been obstructive in allowing other Christian faiths taking their rightful place in society. Hence the Liberal Catholic Church in Belgium has by law been prohibited from owning property and is still not entitled to receive bequests or even take collections. There are now pressures afoot that Belgium at least recognises international church organisations. Having a GES in Belgium would therefore be a show of force, which might not at all be that un-timely. Borzée The proposed site is the conference centre in Borzée in an attractive area at the end of a dead-end road leading to a forested hillside. The accommodation for delegates consists of a number of units, each having 16 bedrooms with a choice of facilities, i.e. 2 – 4 beds per room, some en suite, shower and toilet, some also provided with a bath. The communal dining room has a magnificent view of the valley. Provided that there are sufficient bookings, the conference centre, which is some distance down the road, is available at no extra cost. It contains a large hall suitable to serve as a chapel, a similar hall at ground level for activities such as aerobics, and a number of meeting rooms of various sizes. The state-run organisation has a staff of 15 people, amongst them qualified people to look after children, guide educational trips into the forest or to the aquarium, and various other forms of entertainment for young and old. There is also a camping site in close vicinity to the conference centre, ideal for the younger generation to have the joy of camping and be able to take part in the work of the L.C.C. at the same time. The following programme is at this stage a thumbnail sketch only. Setting a date is of first importance. Proposed dates: Saturday 15 September 1999, p.m., till Saturday 29 September 1999, p.m.
The first tentative booking for the conference facility is required by the beginning of 1998 if the L.C.C. wishes to ensure her preferred time slot. Comments as to the suitability of venue and dates would be very welcome. It is really hoped that the support from Provinces in every part of the world will be at least as good as was the case with GES-11 in Sydney. Bishop Maurice Warnon has offered to be the co-ordinator and will present a budget shortly. In order to ensure that the organising committee will be truly representative of The Liberal Catholic Church in Europe it should have representatives from some other Provinces in Europe besides Belgium. Those wishing to offer their services should contact Bishop Warnon directly. |
|
email The Liberal Catholic
email The Presiding Bishop |