Catholic Church Conservation has a disturbing photo essay on the occupation of the famous Beguinage in Brussels by undocumented migrant workers. The event is the second such occupation, the first being a forced entry, the second by permission of the parish priest, as well as the endorsement of the Catholic trade union. Yet from the looks of it, the church has been used for other profane events as well, such as a contemporary art exhibit last year. The photos are reminiscent of Russian churches desecrated by the Communists in the early 20th century..
The images ought to outrage all religious people, but especially Catholics, along with members of the art world, since the church contains many historic treasures in addition to being a temple reserved for sacred worship. I expect there are other more appropriate places these people could be lodged, and if the emergency were so dire, the church might at least enforce rules of decorum for the occupants. Unless the church is little more than a museum, in which case I should think the privilege of sanctuary would be invalid.
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At any rate the situation is a disgrace.
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Photo source.
I think it's a shame, but only slightly. It's a shame that those people have nowhere to go....
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame IF those folks don't have another place to sleep. I'm all for letting people in and pitching their sleeping bags or whatever, but all of the political banners and signs indicate that this is more than just offering shelter to the homeless. And I agree the art exhibit is a disgrace.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't checked the photos before my first comment. I have now, and I'm inclined to agree with you, Terry and Michael. This is more than shelter only. Sigh.
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