Refugee crisis in Utrecht
The Utrecht Counsel of Churches (USRK) endorses the new national manifesto:
Aan de slag! – opportunities for persons without status. This manifesto calls for more opportunities for people who are in the Netherlands without legal status or are in the juridical process of gaining refuge status. Currently these people are excluded from participating in society, be it via education, work or voluntary work. Large groups of people can get stuck in a society unwilling to recognize their human rights.
This new campaign aims to broaden the support for this vision and work towards the necessary changes in practice. The manifesto wishes to collect as many signatures as possible as a proof of support. Signing is possible at: iedereen-aandeslag.nl
The temporary pop-up restaurant Happietaria has started again! This temporary restaurant is an initiative of the combination of 6 Christian student associations of Utrecht . In five weeks’ time, the restaurant aims to collect as much money as possible for a charity organization. The goal this year is drinking water provision in Burundi. Holy Trinity supported Happietaria with a collection in February.
If you want to eat out in the coming weeks, consider going to Happietaria and support this charity project at the same time. Welcome for a nice dinner until March 24 in Happietaria. (Tuesday to Saturday, Eykmanlaan 72, reservations via www.happietaria-utrecht.nl)
Not really an ecumenical event, but still very interesting is the new exhibition about Francis of Assisi in the Museum Catharijne Convent. The election of Pope Bergoglio and his choice of the name Pope Francis has led many renewed interest in Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) and his message of meekness. The museum is dedicated to medieval religious art and located in Utrecht (Lange Nieuwstraat 38).
From the website: Discover the versatility of Francis! As a nature lover, miracle worker and as celebrated preacher for whom even the birds came out of the trees to listen. The many shapes of Francis speak to the imagination of great artists. Works by (among others) Taddeo di Bartolo, Fra Angelico, Ludovico Carracci , Rembrandt and Escher give an impressive overview over the centuries .
The exhibition runs from March 5 till June 5. More information on the website: www.catharijneconvent.nl