FRH Torch Initiative

A collection of stories, memories and experiences in the context of European religious heritage

As part of the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage celebrations, FRH organised the ‘Torch for Heritage and Culture Initiative’ aimed at raising awareness of the importance of Europe’s religious heritage using the ideal of the Olympic torch travelling across Europe as a symbol of unity and shared heritage.

On its way, the ‘FRH Torch’ collected personal letters and testimonies from prominent personalities and citizens alike, containing stories and memories linked with religious heritage.

The ‘FRH Torch’ journey started in the European Cultural Capital Leeuwarden (the Netherlands) on the 8th of January, followed by Aschaffenburg (Germany), Potes (Spain) Lund (Sweden), Mont-devant-Sassey (France), Berlin (Germany), Krakow (Poland), Budapest (Hungary), Bucharest (Romania), and Skopje (Northern Macedonia). It ended its journey with a closing ceremony at the FRH Conference in Paris. The ‘FRH Torch Public Campaign’, open to all European citizens, continued until the conclusion of the EYCH, on the 31st of December 2018.

FRH was proud to initiate this event, which has raised interest in religious heritage across Europe.

Lilian Grootswagers was responsible for the concept and implementation of the project. (2017-2018)
She was also responsible for the composition of the publication which was published in 2019.