Bishop Gerard de Korte publishes note on building a hopeful and living Church

Bishop Gerard de Korte of the Diocese of ’s-Hertogenbosch published a note titled Samen bouwen aan een hoopvolle en levende Kerk to guide the development of parishes and the diocese in the coming years. The document updates the 2016 policy plan, Samen bouwen in vertrouwen, to address the shrinking and increasing vulnerability of the local Church.

The note seeks to identify where new religious life is growing and how the diocese can support it. Bishop de Korte noted that during visits to deaneries and parishes in 2024 and 2025, he and his staff met many faithful people, including young people finding their way to Christ, families passing on their faith, and new pastoral efforts. The central goal is to ensure people continue to find places in the diocese to encounter Christ through prayer, celebration, learning, and service.