Research by Herman Wesselink indicates that nearly 1,000 churches will be left without congregations by 2030 mainly because of population movement. Wesselink states that the Dutch public have distanced themselves from the church over the last 50 years, and that congregations are becoming a thing of the past.
In 1968, 2.7 million Dutch Catholics attended church on a weekly basis. In 2016, this figure plummeted to 173,000. It is expected that in 2030, a mere 63,000 Dutch Catholics will be weekly church goers.
As a result, Wesselink believes that few churches will remain open in big Dutch cities while many will be shut down and sold off in smaller towns.
The Dutch Broadcast Foundation (NOS) states that this problem is not limited to only the Catholic Church, but is also experienced by Protestant congregations.
“I’m sorry, our church is for sale. People don’t believe in God anymore,” said Anton van Diessen of the Sint-Clemenskerk Church in Waalwijk, adding that the dwindling congregations and churches for sale were very upsetting.
The Sint-Clemens Church, which was built in 1896 and boasts a 70-meter-high tower, is for sale for 250,000 euros.
Additionally, churches have started to function as venues for other religions. The Protestant Thomas Church in The Hague remained empty for a few years because it had no congregation, and was later purchased by Muslims.
The former church now functions as a mosque. Mosque manager Robbert Mohammedamin says he is glad they purchased a building centrally located and with a large carpark.
David Schiethart, who used to be the priest of the former church, is happy that believers unite to pray in the church-turned-mosque.
“The message that is disseminated here is no different to that which was conveyed before,” Schiethart said.
Real estate agent Marten van der Meijde, who deals mainly with church properties, said that church buildings wrack up between 1.5 and 2 million euros between the Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague triangle.
Churches retail for much cheaper in smaller towns, and it is possible to purchase a church for under 100,000 euros in some areas.
