THE HAGUE, 22/08/00 - "Unique in the world," was how Rabbi A. Soetendorp yesterday described the contemplative meeting on Princes Day. This year, this meeting will for the first time cover a variety of beliefs.

On 19 September, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, and humanists will recite their prayers and meditations on the opening of the parliamentary year from five separate platforms. This will take place in the Grote Kerk church in The Hague.

A committee of churches has organized an annual prayer meeting in the church building on Princes Day for 35 years. A number of conservative churches, which do not agree with the participation of other faiths, will organize their own prayer meeting on 15 September, also in the Grote Kerk.

"I hope that we will afterwards be able to call this a historic action," Soetendorp declared. He welcomes the fact that so many religions will be taking part this year, and has also invited the MPs from the small Christian parties, although they are expected to be present during the speech made by Queen Beatrix from the throne. But Soetendorp still hopes that they will attend the interdenominational meeting. "They have not been invited as church members, but as representatives of the people. "