What still connects the Dutch now that churches continue to empty? That’s the central question of the study God in the Netherlands, which KRONCRV’s Kruispunt presents. The decline of organized religion in the Netherlands continues steadily: fewer and fewer people belong to a Christian church or consider themselves religious. Yet, Dutch people still report strong feelings of connection and community—without needing a church to experience it. Interestingly, the youngest generation—Generation Z—is actually more positive about church and faith in many ways than previous generations.
He doesn’t believe in God himself, but Maarten van Rossem has a deep appreciation for church buildings. The Netherlands’ best-known historian finds some churches so beautiful that they almost make him feel religious. And he’s not alone. A large group of Dutch people believes churches should be preserved for their cultural and symbolic value—but without wielding influence or costing taxpayers' money.
Connected without church or faith
The Dutch appear quite capable of experiencing community and connection without church or faith. This is one of the main takeaways from the latest edition of God in the Netherlands, a study that has been conducted every ten years since 1966. The last edition came out in 2015. For this round, around 2,000 Dutch people were surveyed by Radboud University, in collaboration with the HDC Centre for Religious History at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and KRONCRV. The research findings are available on this VU webpage (in Dutch).
Dutch remain connected despite leaving the church
Currently, 27 percent of Dutch people are members of a church or other religious group. Ten years ago, that figure was still 32 percent. Fears that social cohesion would crumble as churches emptied appear unfounded: a large majority of Dutch people still feel well connected through social networks and continue to have trust in others, according to the study. Instead of meeting in church, people now connect primarily through sports clubs. Many also report a sense of unity during national rituals like Remembrance Day on May 4. In fact, 75 percent of Dutch people say they feel a strong connection to fellow citizens on that day.
Telling the story of faith in the Netherlands
Kruispunt tells the story of God in the Netherlands from the city of Utrecht—a place known for its Christian diversity, with the iconic Dom Tower at its heart. Religious scholars Paul Vermeer and Joris Kregting explain the research findings. Utrecht native Maarten van Rossem visits the Jacobikerk, where he shares his thoughts on the emotional pull of church buildings. Poet Ingmar Heytze visits the Resistance Monument on Domplein and reflects on the spiritual meaning of May 4.
Gen Z more positive toward church
Kruispunt also explores signs of hope and potential for churches. One striking conclusion from the study is that Generation Z is more positive about church and faith than earlier generations. About 27 percent of Gen Z identify as religious, compared to 22 percent of the previous generation. Members of the Christian student association Navigators share whether this trend matches their own experiences. Are their peers really more open to Christian identity—and if so, why?
Júlia Herku, the current Young Theologian of the Netherlands, explains why the Baptist church she’s affiliated with is thriving. Meanwhile, Roman Catholics in Utrecht celebrate the arrival of the skull of Saint Thomas Aquinas at the Cathedral of St. Catherine. Catholic churches in the Netherlands may be increasingly empty, but how does Cardinal Wim Eijk view the future?
Kruispunt: God in the Netherlands airs on Sunday, April 13 at 5:10 PM on KRONCRV, NPO 2. On Friday, April 25, the HDC Centre for Religious History will host a symposium, God in the Netherlands 1966–2025, on the campus of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Theologian of the Netherlands Mirella Klomp and religious scholar Peter van Rooden will provide expert commentary on the findings. The full book of results and insights can be ordered through the HDC (hdc@vu.nl).
