Belgium

Capital: Brussels

Major Languages: Dutch, French, German

Area: 30,528 km2

Population: 11.7 million

HDI Rank: 14 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 5.9 million (50%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 0.8 million (7%)

Islam: 0.6 million (5%)

Other: 4.5 million (38%)

General Information:

Prior to the Roman invasion in 100 B.C., Belgium was originally inhabited by a mix of Celts and Germanic peoples. After the fall of Rome, Belgium has been part of French, Dutch, and Germanic kingdoms, as well as the Holy Roman Empire. It gained independence from the Netherlands in 1830. Belgium has a very high quality of life and ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. It is best known in the world for its waffles, chocolate and beer. Brussels is the capital of the European Union and the headquarters of NATO. Belgians are passionate about soccer.

Religious Background:

Belgium grants full freedom of religion, but religion is irrelevant and a large majority are irreligious. Many are turning to secularism and almost 31% of the population claim to be atheists or non-affiliated. Catholicism is the dominant religion, but only 7% are practicing Catholics. When Protestant Christianity was introduced in Belgium, it opposed Catholicism and did not mix well. Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Sikhism, Jainism are other religious groups that are found in Belgium. The government offers monies to state approved religions.

Catholic background:

Catholicism entered Belgium in the 5th century via the migrant merchants and soldiers. St. Amandus, a native of France, founded an abbey at Elnone in A.D. 625. By A.D. 730, Belgium was completely converted to Catholicism. Under Spanish rule the Counter Reformation, was very severe. Many Protestants were either killed or fled the country. Though there were signs of renewal in the Catholic Church in the 1940’s, Catholicism has been on the decline in recent decades. The Church is composed of one archdiocese, 8 dioceses and 3,949 parishes. Patron saint: Joseph.

Prayer Points

1. Belgians to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 5.9 million Catholics in Belgium.
Cultural Catholicism and nominalism are mixed with rapid secularization. Pray that they will get to hear the gospel in culturally relevant ways.
Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit among the Catholics in the nation.
Pray that Catholics would realize that the only way they can be made right with God is through the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 3,949 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 7,279 priests, 3,971 brothers and 13,288 sisters.
Pray for God to remove every hindrance that prevents them from receiving Christ.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelicalism has grown stronger over the last 40 years. Fresh revival is needed in the face of rapid secularization. Pray for Evangelicals to be bold witnesses for Jesus Christ, and to find innovative and effective ways of witnessing to the lost. Pray for churches to have a vision to reach the lost with the gospel, and to draw many to Christ.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Secularism and godlessness have become normal lifestyle in much of Belgium. The use of the Bible was discouraged up until 1960, which led to a spiritual decay. Pray that God’s word might take root deeply in the Belgian society.

5. Other Religions

The largest religious affiliation is the 1/3rd of the population who identify as either atheist or agnostic. Islam is growing rapidly. Pray for creative and culturally sensitive material to be produced, to reach these various groups with the gospel.