A legacy for Nijkleaster is not only a gift for Nijkleaster itself; you are also helping to shape the future of the church in Friesland.
It is no secret that churches are facing difficult times, and many will have to close their doors in the coming decades. Nijkleaster wants to develop a new concept: a church center for people from near and far. Long before churches were built on every terp and in every village, there were similar centers—monasteries—where people could turn with their questions, worries, joys, and gratitude. Nijkleaster aims to once again be such a spiritual center for people from a wider region.
By leaving a legacy to Nijkleaster, you contribute to the future of the church in Friesland. If your children are perhaps not actively or financially contributing to the church, this is a way for you to help build the church of the future.
Wills: Including the church in your estate planning
Besides making donations, it is also possible to include your local parish or diaconate, the Protestant Church, or Kerk in Actie in your will. All or part of your estate can be designated for the church, ensuring that you continue to contribute to the growth of the church and community even after you pass away. Leaving a legacy to the church is only possible through a will drawn up by a notary. A handwritten codicil is not sufficient.
There are two ways to include Nijkleaster in your will:
1) The church is an heir
As a (co-)heir, the church is entitled to the entire estate, either alone or together with other heirs. In this case, the church and any co-heirs inherit all assets and liabilities of the estate. The church can only accept an estate "under benefit of inventory." This means the church is not personally liable for the estate's debts using its own assets.
2) The church receives a legacy
A legacy can be a sum of money, but also an asset (such as a house), a portfolio of securities, or a valuable item like a painting. A legacy must also be recorded in a will, in which case the church is named as a legatee. Acceptance under benefit of inventory is not required for a legacy, although this is often done in practice.
If you wish to include the church in your will, it is important to use the correct name: Kloostergemeente Nijkleaster – Westerwert and/or Stichting Nijkleaster – Westerhûs (monastery).
Need more information?
Detailed information about leaving a legacy can be found in a brochure from the Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PKN) which you can request for free.
