Panel: SODRUS: CHURCH BUILDINGS PRESERVATION OR TRANSFORMATION: INTERNATIONAL AND INTERDISCIPLINARY ANALYSIS



836.2 - THE "OPEN CHURCHES" NETWORK IN BELGIUM: TOWARDS A HYBRID GOVERNANCE OF LIVING RELIGIOUS HERITAGE

AUTHORS:
Baraka Akilimali J. (Université Catholique de Louvain ~ Louvain-la-neuve ~ Belgium)
Text:
In a context of religious decline, the Open Churches network offers an innovative model of hybrid governance combining parishes, public authorities and civil society. Based on voluntary participation and accessibility, it promotes churches as living heritage rather than museums, fostering community appropriation, reduced costs, heritage security and renewed social and cultural uses.