The picturesque village of Zoelen, located in the municipality of Buren in the province of Gelderland, is a place with a rich history. One of the most prominent historical monuments in Zoelen is the Dutch Reformed Church, which stands in the heart of the village.
Throughout the late Middle Ages (1500-1600) and the early Renaissance, St. Lambertus Church witnessed many social and religious changes. The church was originally Catholic, but with the advent of the Reformation in the 16th century, Protestant influences began to spread. Martin Luther and his followers challenge the actual doctrines, leading to religious tensions in many parts of Europe, including the Netherlands.
During the Eighty Years' War (1700), in which the Netherlands fought for independence from Spain, religion was a core theme. The Spaniards, who were Catholic, faced the predominantly Protestant Dutch. After the Peace of Westphalia, the Netherlands officially became a Protestant nation in 1648, and churches such as the one in Zoelen became Protestants definitively.
Over the centuries, the Church of Zoelen has shown resilience and adaptability, and remains a vivid reminder of the rich past of the Netherlands, both a spiritual anchor for its congregants and a cultural heritage for the wider community.