In the media
VU archives in Memory of the World Register
The historical VU archives from the period 1879-1972 have been added to the Dutch Memory of the World Register of UNESCO. From founder Abraham Kuyper to Martin Luther King's honorary doctorate, they can all be found in this rich archive. The archives are available for research through the Amsterdam City Archives and our University Library (UB) Special Collections.
God in The Netherlands
Since 1966, the study God in The Netherlands has been the key to understanding the religious landscape of our country and how religion has developed in recent decades. Professor of Religious History Fred van Lieburg is involved in the research on behalf of VU Amsterdam.
The survey is conducted once every ten years, which provides a unique insight into the developments that take place in the religious field in our country. This time there seems to be a break in the trend: Gen Z is more positive about church and faith than the previous generation.
Watch the Kruispunt broadcast and listen to Professor of Anthropology of Religion Miranda Klaver on Radio 1’s Dit is de Dag.
VU student Ilgin Demirkir demonstrated against Erdogan in Turkey
21-year-old Ilgin Demirkir, a student of political science, flew back to her native Turkey to protest against the erosion of democracy. She participated in the large demonstration in Istanbul. “I couldn't stay in Amsterdam while my friends in Istanbul were risking everything.” Ilgin was interviewed by Jessica Maas for Het Parool.
Philanthropic elite in Amsterdam and San Francisco want to help the city
Following San Francisco’s example, Amsterdam has recently formed an alliance of wealthy companies to address social problems. The New Amsterdam Association – with partners such as Rabobank, Schiphol and Booking – aims to tackle homelessness and poverty, among other things. Mayor Halsema emphasised that the government cannot do it alone. Philanthropy expert René Bekkers warns in Algemeen Dagblad: “We should not go back to a time when society was dependent on private charity. Our facilities are aimed at ensuring that this is not necessary.”
“I burnt a candle for an extinct bird”
Rituals of climate grief help people process the loss of nature and biodiversity. Professor of Spiritual Care and Religious-Humanist Meaning Hans Alma says in Trouw: “Technical solutions to climate change fall short if we do not consider the deeper question: how can we inhabit the earth with care?” New rituals are emerging in churches and communities, such as burning candles or commemorations for disappeared animal species. This offers space for joint mourning and awareness, without immediately looking for solutions.
Colorful Bible
In the broadcast of De Nacht van KRO-NCRV, Professor of Religion, Gender and Sexuality Mariecke van den Berg explains how religion, sexuality and gender go hand in hand and how Christianity is used as a political weapon. “I hope that theology can contribute to a world in which we strive for justice.”
magazine for social sciences and humanities alumni june 2025