“Niemand vertelt mij wat ik moet geloven.” That’s the motto of the Doopsgezinde Kerk. This church represents a unique chapter in Amsterdam’s religious history.
Welcome to the Doopsgezinde Kerk. It is more than just a building. This is a place with a story woven into the very fabric of Amsterdam. The Doopsgezinde Gemeente Amsterdam consists of about 500 members. Another group of people are friends of the church.
This congregation has two church buildings. One is in the center on the Singel. The other one is in Amsterdam Noord.
The Doopsgezinde Kerk offers open space for those seeking meaning. It’s a place to reflect on faith and life without the pressure of strict doctrines. Connecting life and faith can be challenging. Doopsgezinden support each other and share joys and sorrows. Meetings are essential for inspiration and learning. The church provides spirituality, security, and challenge.
The Doopsgezinde community values freedom of belief. Members write their own personal statement of faith. They articulate what faith means to them. Based on this statement, they are baptized if not already done in another denomination. Friends can actively participate in church activities like discussion groups. Respect for others is evident in collaborations with other faiths. Doopsgezind Amsterdam co-founded the Raad van Kerken. It also initiated the Preek van de Leek.
The Doopsgezinde Kerk reads the Bible with a contemporary perspective. They consider the context in which the stories originated. Together, they seek the stories’ meaning for today. Who am I? What is my relationship to others? What is my relationship to the Eternal?
Did you know that the Singelkerk looks like a canal house from the outside? There are no towers or bells. Inside, it’s a church a hidden church from 1637.
Many prominent figures were Doopsgezinde. Joost van den Vondel was a member and served on the church council. The VPRO’s founding meeting took place in the Singelkerk. Jan Luijken, Govert Flinck, and Winkler Prins were also Doopsgezinde. The Singelkerk even had a female minister in 1911.
In the 18th century, Amsterdam had over ten Doopsgezinde groups. These societies met in hidden churches. In 1801, the Vereenigde Doopsgezinde Gemeente Amsterdam was formed. This was a merger of the “Bij het Lam” and “Bij de Zon” congregations. The keystone with a sun and a lamb symbolizes this history. The Singelkerk is also known as Het Lam due to the keystone.
Doopsgezinden played a key role in Amsterdam’s history. Some families were prominent in politics, banking, and business. Examples include the Van Eeghen, Jan Jacob Brants, and van Lennep families. Before 1795, Doopsgezinden could not be appointed to the city council. Some families became Protestant to overcome this barrier. The Gouden Bocht was nicknamed the “Mennonite Heaven”. Many wealthy Doopsgezinde Amsterdammers lived there.
Today, the Doopsgezinde Gemeente Amsterdam continues to evolve. It adapts to the needs of its community. It contributes to the city’s spiritual landscape. As you stand here, remember the rich history. Remember the values of freedom and community that define this special place.