The video recordings of the international symposium Churches and Religious Heritage in Transformation: The Potential of Sacred Spaces as ‘Third’ and ‘Fourth’ Places, held on 22–23 September 2026 in Brussels, are now available on COMECE’s YouTube channel. Those who were unable to attend can now watch the conference sessions and revisit the discussions. Watch the four sessions: Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV
The symposium explored the potential of churches and other sacred spaces in a changing society, as places of encounter, exchange and community, as well as distinctive forms of cultural heritage. In particular, participants examined the concepts of ‘third’ and ‘fourth’ places, reflecting on how churches can extend beyond the familiar categories of home, work and public space, creating new opportunities for community, participation and belonging.
Bringing together academic experts, Church representatives and stakeholders working in cultural heritage, the event provided a space to exchange experiences, connect existing initiatives and discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in the transformation and future use of churches and religious heritage in Europe. Discussions also addressed rural religious heritage as a territorial asset and the transformation of church buildings.
The symposium was also an important opportunity to establish and strengthen relations with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), with a view to promoting initiatives supporting cultural heritage, including its religious dimension, at European level.
The event built on the work of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Lab “Renovation, transformation and renewal of church buildings and religious heritage in the EU”, officially established in November 2025 and led by COMECE, the Catholic Private University of Linz (KU Linz), Austria, and Future for Religious Heritage (FRH).
Looking ahead, one of the NEB Lab’s objectives is to broaden its geographical representation by extending its scope to include Eastern and Southern Europe, bringing a wider range of experiences and perspectives into the discussion.
The NEB Lab is also preparing a research project, expected to be presented in early 2027. More information on this initiative and the next steps of the project will be shared in the coming months.
The international symposium was organised by COMECE, FRH and KU Linz and featured the following sessions:
- Part I – Framing the subject: focal areas and key perspectives [watch video]
- Part II – Towards new approaches: religious heritage as ‘fourth’ places [watch video]
- Part III – Transforming religious heritage: initiatives and approaches [watch video]
- Part IV – Churches as ‘fourth’ places: activities, necessities and challenges [watch video]