Dutch churches let out for bars and book stores
Due to the reduction in the number of believers, church buildings in the Netherlands are transformed into bars, stores and libraries. It is reported by the Noticia Cristiana.
The population of the once religious country consists currently of 44% atheists, while 28% call themselves Catholics, 19% identify themselves as Protestants, 5% are Muslims and 4% represent other religions. Even those, who place themselves among the faithful, admit they do not attend worship buildings, traditional Christian churches, or do it very seldom.
Church buildings are growing empty and it’s getting even more difficult for parishes to maintain them. Many of these buildings are of historic value. Their owners sell them or let them out for lease to businessmen. The buildings, which used to be places for worship attended by thousands of people, may function currently as a bar, a restaurant, a book store, a concert hall, or a hairdresser’s.
The Dominican church in Maastricht city has turned into Selexyz book store. In Amsterdam the Paradiso concert hall is located in the church building, constructed in the 19th century. The faithful used to gather here till 1965. Since 1968 it has been an entertainment center, particularly popular with various rock groups lately. In Utrecht the former church premises are occupied by Olivier Café, a tourist hub.
