On October 16, 2023, a terrorist attack shook the hearts of the people in Brussels. The European Championship qualifying match between Sweden and Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium led to multiple Swedish supporters being shot, leaving two dead. The news spread quickly and chaos ensued. The Church of Sweden in Brussels, under the leadership of vicar Fredrik Ollila, found itself at the center of the aftermath.
Fredrik Ollila recounts the evening when the attack occurred and how the police advised against opening the church. It was a terrifying and uncertain time for the congregation, but they found solace in each other during the trying days that followed.
The terrorist behind the attack expressed his desire to “revenge Muslims,” and it was later revealed that he had been greatly affected by the Koran burnings in Sweden. The symbolic flag outside the Church of Sweden had already been taken down before the attack, as the Security Police had raised the terror threat level earlier in the year.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson referred to the attack as “a terrorist attack aimed at Sweden and Swedish citizens.” The sinister act not only took the lives of innocent individuals but also created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
Despite the overwhelming circumstances, the church reopened, and acts of resilience were witnessed. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited the church and lit candles, symbolizing hope and unity. The congregation once again came together, and the tradition of serving pea soup and pancakes continued, serving as a meeting place for solace and strength.
As the Christmas season approaches, the Church of Sweden in Brussels prepares for big activities, like a Christmas market, and hires guards to ensure the safety of its members. The church, a representation of Sweden in Brussels, has stood as a symbol of resilience, in the face of terror and uncertainty.
Fredrik Ollila reflects on the challenges that the church has faced, especially during the pandemic, and emphasizes the essential role the church plays in offering a sense of community and belonging to its members.
The terrorist attack in Brussels was a reminder of the precarious nature of security in the world today. As the church overcomes these difficult times, it stands as a testament to the strength and spirit of its congregation, and as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. “Keeping the business open and visible is our joint responsibility,” Fredrik Ollila asserts. “Security here should be a bilateral issue at the highest level between Sweden and Belgium. We should say: We will not back down.”