Eredienstruimte

Eredienstruimte is a Dutch term formed by eredienst (church service or worship) and ruimte (space). It is not a widely standardized term in religious or architectural vocabulary, but it appears in some architectural plans, church management documents, and heritage descriptions to designate the part of a building that is allocated for worship and liturgical activities.

The concept corresponds roughly to what is commonly referred to as a worship space or sanctuary in English. The exact boundaries of the eredienstruimte can vary by denomination, building type, and cultural tradition. In many church designs, it includes the sanctuary and altar area, and may extend to adjacent seating or liturgical furnishings, while in other layouts the nave or choir spaces are considered part of the worship area. The term is sometimes used to distinguish the space used for services from other functional areas such as meeting rooms, offices, or social halls.

Usage and prevalence of the term vary by region and institution. Because eredienstruimte is not universally adopted, many texts prefer more common terms such as liturgische ruimte, sanctuary, or kerkruimte to describe the same concept. When encountered, the term often appears in architectural descriptions, preservation reports, or building plans rather than in everyday church discourse.

See also: eredienst; liturgische ruimte; sanctuary; kerkruimte.