9 - 14 September 2012
Antwerp, Belgium

The 2012 AMI Conference and General Assembly was held in Retie, near Antwerp, Belgium. Hosted by the Belgian Armed Forces, the event was organized with exemplary hospitality and liturgical preparation by Vicar General Johan van den Eeckhout, Padre Annie Walschart, and Mgr. Werner Freistetter, along with a dedicated Belgian team.

The theme, “The Christian Soldier in the Service of Just Peace: To live authentically according to the Word of God and to spread the Gospel,” guided lectures, discussions, and working group sessions. Archbishop André Léonard, military bishop of Belgium, opened the conference with a Pontifical Mass in Antwerp Cathedral, stressing the Christian call to witness to Jesus’ love and uniqueness.

Lectures explored war commemoration as both division and healing (Chaplain Wim Smit), Old Testament perspectives on remembrance (Prof. Hans Ausloos), fear and anxiety on the battlefield (Col. Andreas Stupka), trust in God during combat (Brig. Gen. Arie Vermeij), and personal testimony of faith in military life (Rev. Deacon Neil Galloway). Delegates also visited the Belgian National Institute for Veterans and Victims of War, the Flemish Parliament, and participated in Masses at Retie, the Royal Military Academy, Antwerp’s churches, and the closing Pontifical Service in the historic Carolus Borromeus Church.

Working groups reviewed sessions and contributed reflections for the plenary assembly. Regular business included the treasurer’s financial report, which was unanimously approved, and the announcement that the 2013 conference would be held in Celje, Slovenia.

The cultural day in Antwerp concluded the gathering, with visits to the town hall, Antwerp harbor, the MAS Museum, and a closing dinner at the Provincial House. Delegates expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Belgian hosts for their organization, hospitality, and fellowship, which made the conference both spiritually and practically fruitful.