THE HAGUE, 16/09/00 - Christians held a prayer meeting in the Grote Kerk in The Hague on Friday night in honor of the opening of the parliamentary year on Princes Day. Following this, a number of other religious groups held a prayer-night in the same church.

During the so-called 'Kroonbede' (or crown prayer, a pun on the 'Troonrede', which is the Queen's speech), the believers prayed for Queen Beatrix, the government, and Parliament. The prayer was intended as an alternative for the first multi-religious contemplative meeting to be held on Princes Day itself, also in the Grote Kerk. This meeting is meant to replace the traditional Christian prayer gathering.

Orthodox groups do not see the point of the multi-religious happening. During this meeting, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims and humanists will present their prayers and beliefs each on a separated stage.