The decision became known in early June and concerns a piece of grassland of just over a quarter of a hectare that belongs to the congregation. The Boermarke Rolde-Nijlande-Eldersloo, the local farmers’ association, organises the Easter bonfire there every year under a lease between the church and the Boermarke.
The Stichting Behoud Rolder Kerk received reactions and cancellations after the decision. In a newsletter to its supporters on Saturday 27 June, it makes clear that it has no part in the church council’s decisions. The foundation is not a church body, but works to preserve the church building and to have it used by the whole village. Since it was set up in 1998, it has contributed an average of around €10,000 a year to the upkeep and restoration of the church and its organ. The board says it has been trying for some time to talk to the church council about a number of concerns.
