The Antwerp alderman of public worship, Philip Heylen (Christian Democrats) has an ambitious plan to do something about the profusion of half-empty churches in his city. Some of the about 80 churches he wants to demolish or use for other purposes. Heylen also sees an opportunity for Muslims to take over barely used church buildings.
Muslim woman walking in Antwerp
Vlaams Belang reacted with shock to the plans. According to the party there seems to be an auction war in Antwerp between teh Christian Democrats and Socialists on who could bring in the largest group of Muslim voters.
The party promises the necessary actions and campaigns if the alderman pushes through his plans. Vlaams Belang does think there should be a solution for the high maintenance costs of the Catholic churches in the city.
Source: HLN (Dutch)
See also: Antwerp: Less, bigger mosques, Antwerp: Converts to open mosque
