TO TURN A CHURCH INTO A BAR - WHY NOT?

By: Svetlana Dicheva, Bulgarian National Radio

The preservation of Bulgarian churches is a topic of special interest in Bulgaria. Every place of cult - christian temple or muslim mosque in the country is regarded as holy and untouchable. When in bad condition, churches and mosques draw the attention not only of the local communities but the financial help of the state. This approach lies in the Bulgarian tradition, which considers the churches not only as places for manifestation of faith but as foundation of national identity as well. During a Seminar about the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide organised by UNESCO and University Laval in Quebec, the only French province in Canada in the end of June, an interesting and unusual case arose - the deplorable state of many churches in the city of Quebec and the tough question what to do with them. The decline of the religious devotion in the recent years has emptied many churches and has made them "ghost" buildings. If neglected such buildings could collapse and cause enormous damage to citizens. What is the recepe? Many experts, researchers, architects and community representatives in the city of Quebec think over the complex topic and try to find the proper solution. The approach is far from being idealistic. It is rather pragmatic and would shock the sensitive public opinion in Bulgaria. Svetlana Dicheva from the Bulgarian National Radio asked some questions to Marie-Claude Rocher, researcher on religion of minorities at University Laval, Quebec city.

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