Dutch term: lidmaat

Cover of a membership book of Rhenen, starting in 1772The word lidmaat (plural: lidmaten, sometimes ledematen) means member, usually a member of a protestant church. Most protestant became members by confessing around the age of 18-20. Their membership is recorded in the lidmatenboek (church membership book). If they moved, they were given a declaration by their old church so they could become members of another church without having to confess again. 

About Yvette Hoitink

Yvette Hoitink, CG®, QG™ is a professional genealogist in the Netherlands. She holds the Certified Genealogist credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists and has a post-graduate diploma in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee. She has been doing genealogy for over 30 years and helps people from across the world find their ancestors in the Netherlands. Read about Yvette's professional genealogy services.

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