Belgium
Nazi orders for Jews to wear a star were hateful, but far from unique – a historian traces the long history of antisemitic badges
By Flora Cassen — March 14, 2023
(The Conversation) — Badges and other wearable markings had a long history of being used to target Jewish people in Europe.
Belgian bishop declines cardinal honor over abuse record
By Nicole Winfield — June 17, 2022
(AP) — Ghent Bishop Luc Van Looy had asked Francis for permission to decline the honor in order “to not harm victims again,” and Francis accepted the request, the bishops said in a statement.
Europe court rejects case seeking to blame Vatican for abuse
By Nicole Winfield — October 12, 2021
ROME (AP) — A European court agreed Tuesday that the Vatican couldn’t be sued in a local court for sexual abuse committed by Catholic priests, affirming that it enjoys sovereign immunity and that the misconduct of priests and their superiors can’t be attributed to the Holy See. The European Court of Human Rights dismissed a […]
Ruling brings kosher slaughterhouse new business, old fears
By Justin Spike — January 28, 2021
(AP) — The European Union’s highest court upheld a law in Belgium’s Flanders region prohibiting slaughtering animals without first stunning them into unconsciousness.
Jews and Muslims say Belgian animal cruelty law trammels religious freedom
By Elena Berton and Jabeen Bhatti — February 26, 2019
PARIS (RNS) — A ban on slaughtering livestock without stunning them first is seen as a direct attack on kosher and halal practices.
Belgian order defies pope, insists on allowing euthanasia
By Nicole Winfield — September 13, 2017
VATICAN CITY (AP) — A Belgian religious congregation is defying Pope Francis' order to stop allowing euthanasia in its psychiatric hospitals, saying that its decision to do so is fully consistent with Catholic doctrine.
Pope Francis to Belgian Catholics: Stop offering euthanasia
By Jerome Socolovsky — August 10, 2017
LONDON (AP) — In May, the Brothers of Charity group announced it would allow doctors to perform euthanasia at its 15 psychiatric hospitals in Belgium, one of only two countries — along with the Netherlands — where doctors are legally allowed to kill people with mental health problems, at their request.
Belgian hermit on Austrian mountain awaits visitors with schnapps
By Kirsti Knolle — May 29, 2017
VIENNA (Reuters) Stan Vanuytrecht, a Catholic deacon, was one of about 70 candidates from around the world who applied for the unpaid position at one of Europe's last hermitages, a hut built into a cliff in the Austrian mountains.
Catholic nursing home in Belgium fined for refusing euthanasia request
By David Gibson — July 5, 2016
(RNS) The judges unanimously ruled that “the nursing home had no right to refuse euthanasia on the basis of conscientious objection.”
Canada drafts assisted dying law that bans ‘suicide tourism’
By Reuters — April 14, 2016
The option to die with a doctor's prescription would only apply to adults suffering serious and incurable illness and where death is reasonably foreseeable.
Obama at last prayer breakfast: ‘We heal hatred with love’
By Adelle M. Banks — March 30, 2016
WASHINGTON (RNS) As he usually does, he used the occasion to speak openly about his faith within the context of world events.
Belgian religious groups condemn Brussels attacks
By Jerome Socolovsky — March 22, 2016
(RNS) "Muslims are also affected by these terrible acts," said the head of a Belgian Muslim umbrella organization.
Islamic State claims responsibility for Brussels blasts
By Reuters — March 22, 2016
"We promise the crusader alliance against the Islamic State that they will have black days in return for their aggression against the Islamic State," the group said.
Scientologists vindicated by Belgian court ruling
By Rosie Scammell — March 11, 2016
(RNS) A judge rejected allegations that it operated as a criminal organization and extorted money from members.
Belgian bishop says Catholic Church should bless same-sex couples
By David Gibson — January 8, 2015
(RNS) Bishop Johan Bonny has been touted as a future leader of Belgium's Catholic hierarchy, but will his controversial proposals hurt his prospects?
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