The theme of women's leadership took over the Chapel for Europe during the month of March. Five weeks, five evenings, organised jointly with the Vicariate of Brussels, a veritable five-pack of complementary events: a conference on “The Catholic Church and women. Herstory in a nutshell”, a movie night: “The Swimmers”, a photo exhibition about “Beguines: wounded memories”, an interreligious artistic evening: “Sacred dances and songs”, and above all an interconfessional panel “The women’s spiritual leadership” which brought together six women in positions of leadership and responsibility within different religious and spiritual traditions.

Each of the invited speakers presented respectively her own background: Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, and Tibetan Buddhist and her current commitment. Without evading the difficulties encountered in winning the recognition of their communities and institutions, they witnessed their enthusiasm and their gradual insertion - sometimes by pushing the doors open not enough - into circles still predominantly represented by men.

What they shared, was both down-to-earth and serene. A real complicity between them that transcended their differences could be felt, a determination to continue step by step on their path of faith and leadership in their respective institutions with a very open mind and a great dose of humour. The meeting was so encouraging that the participants decided to meet again to deepen their dialogue and create a circle of exchange. A follow-up is thus assured.

Chapel for Europe