> Recognized religions and organized laicity

related but distinct subjects :
cemetaries and funerals

The Federal Authority is competent for recognising religions and secular organisations. It is also responsible for paying the wages and pensions of ministers of recognised religions and the moral assistance delegates of recognised secular organisations.

The Walloon Region recognises the local communities of recognised religions (parishes and similar establishments), and is responsible for the legislation and supervision of the management of their property. It has been stipulated that the Walloon Region will transfer this responsibility for the German linguistic region to the German-speaking Community in 2005. On the other hand, it is the Federal Authority who recognises local secular moral assistance services and supervises the management of their accounts.

The communes are responsible for covering the deficit for the construction and maintenance of churches, as well as the deficit of the administrations of Protestant, Anglican and Jewish religions.

The provinces are responsible for covering the deficit for the construction and maintenance of cathedrals, the deficit of the administrations of orthodox and Islamic religions, and the deficit of secular moral assistance establishments.

Relations between the Federal Authority and the Regions with regard to religions are subject to cooperation agreements.

 

legal basis :
Constitution, art. 39 et art. 181
LSRI of 08/08/1980, art. 6, §1, VIII, 6