Belgium, a country located in Western Europe, is widely known for its multicultural and multilingual society. With a population of approximately 11.5 million, the country has several religions coexisting harmoniously. In this article, we’ll explore the different religions practiced in Belgium, their histories, and how they shape society.
Christianity in Belgium
Christianity is the largest religion in Belgium, with the Roman Catholic Church being the dominant denomination. It has played a significant role in the country’s history, culture, and society since the Roman Empire. The religion was introduced to the country in the 1st century when the Roman Empire spread Christianity throughout Europe.
Most of the country’s population is Catholic, with approximately 60 percent of the population identifying as such. The Catholic Church in Belgium is divided into two provinces: the Flemish-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia.
The Protestant Church is also present in Belgium, with around 2.5 percent of the population identifying as Protestant. The religion was introduced in the 16th century by the reformer John Calvin. The majority of Protestants in Belgium are concentrated in the Flanders region.
Other Christian denominations in Belgium include Orthodox Christianity, Anglicanism, and Evangelicalism.
Islam in Belgium
Islam is the second-largest religion in Belgium, with around 5 percent of the population identifying as Muslim. The religion was introduced in the country in the 1960s when the government invited immigrants from Morocco and Turkey to work in factories.
Most Muslims in Belgium are of Moroccan or Turkish descent, and the majority reside in the urban areas of Brussels and Antwerp.
The religion has faced several challenges in Belgium, including discrimination and Islamophobia. However, the Muslim community in Belgium has continued to grow, with more mosques being built and more Islamic schools opening.
Judaism in Belgium
Judaism is the third-largest religion in Belgium, with around 0.3 percent of the population identifying as Jewish. The religion has a rich history in the country, with the first Jewish community arriving in Antwerp in the 15th century.
During World War II, the Jewish population in Belgium suffered greatly under the Nazi regime, with many being deported to concentration camps. Today, the Jewish community in Belgium is small but has a strong presence in the country’s cultural and social life.
Buddhism in Belgium
Buddhism is a relatively new religion in Belgium, with the first Buddhist community arriving in the country in the 1970s. Today, the religion has around 29,000 followers in the country.
Most Buddhists in Belgium are of European descent and practice Zen Buddhism or Tibetan Buddhism. The religion has gained popularity in recent years due to its focus on meditation and mindfulness.
Conclusion
Belgium is a multicultural and multilingual society with a rich history of religious diversity. Christianity is the dominant religion, followed by Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism. Despite facing several challenges, religions in Belgium coexist harmoniously, contributing to the country’s unique culture and society.
