Christian witness in a secular society

This year France is celebrating the one hundred year anniversary of the country’s official separation of church and state. In 1905 a law was passed declaring France a “Secular Republic”. In the law an individual’s freedom of belief was protected and a system was set up whereby various religions could register and be officially recognized. It was clearly stated, however, that religion was something private and completely separate from the state. Given the large role that the Catholic Church had played, for centuries, in public and political life, this change was an enormous one.

This year France is celebrating the one hundred year anniversary of the country’s official separation of church and state. In 1905 a law was passed declaring France a “Secular Republic”. In the law an individual’s freedom of belief was protected and a system was set up whereby various religions could register and be officially recognized. It was clearly stated, however, that religion was something private and completely separate from the state. Given the large role that the Catholic Church had played, for centuries, in public and political life, this change was an enormous one.

There is no swearing in on the Bible in French court rooms, “In God we Trust” is not written on the money, religious marriages are not officially recognized, state funerals are never preformed in religious buildings, and presidential debates do not include questions regarding a candidate’s faith.

The only vestiges of France’s historical religious culture that I can find are a handful of national holidays that coincide with Christian celebrations…the faithful French worker does get a day of rest on Christmas!

This secular republican heritage has permeated all aspects of French culture and the France of today is perhaps one of the most secular countries in Europe. The number of traditional French families involved in Church has been steadily declining over the last several decades. In the public sector, as well as in private life, religion and religious practice have, and to some extent still are, becoming more and more marginalized. The decline of religious involvement is not only specific to France. Throughout Europe, traditional churches are seeing a decline in membership and “Christian” governmental policies are continually being questioned and debated. The root causes of this “de-religionization” are much debated…have technological advances, high standards of living and relative peace replaced the comfort and hope that religion once provided?

As the 100 years of “secularism” are being celebrated, religion, ironically enough, is once again in the limelight. Since the 1970s, France has experienced a large influx of immigrants, the majority of whom are coming from developing countries. These immigrants have brought with them vibrant faith practices (Christian, Muslim, Buddhist etc). Evangelical Christians from Africa and the Caribbean, and Muslims from the Arab world are spearheading their own respective “revivals”. France, which for hundreds of years had only to deal with a Catholic majority and Protestant and Jewish minorities, is now faced with a myriad of confessions, faiths and practices.

In response, the government has set up a special commission with the task of differentiating between religious groups and “sects”, a law was recently passed prohibiting the wearing of religious symbols in public schools (aimed unofficially at Muslim headscarves, it also includes Sikh turbans, Jewish yarmulkes and ostentatious Christian crosses), and a political debate is raging as to whether or not the government can help fund the construction of Muslim mosques. It seems as if religion is once again becoming important!!!

The French Reformed Church, with whom I work, is in a special position to respond to this changing religious climate. As a minority (there are less than one million protestants in France) the secular state protects their right to exist and function and the new influx of immigrants, many of whom have protestant backgrounds, is fertile ground for renewal.

Having suffered historical persecutions, the reformed church has, over the years, built walls around itself. Today, its specifically French reformed theology and religious culture, which has helped it survive over the centuries, is now facing a population that is neither closed in on itself nor based in centuries old tradition. How parishes and pastors reach out to and receive the new generation will greatly influence the future of the church.

Here in the Foyer Protestant d’Aubervilliers, we have made a conscious effort to develop good relationships with local government agencies as well as with our Catholic, Muslim and Jewish neighbours, and our parish is filled with parishioners of immigrant origins. This did not come about overnight but is the fruit of years of reflection and work. As less and less people have the reflex of turning towards the church for help and guidance, we have realized that it is up to us to reach out to those around us. By analysing the community and proposing programs that respond to a variety of needs (both physical and spiritual) we have been able to carve out a niche in Aubervilliers that is respected by Christians and non-Christians alike.

As the state reflects on its role in religion, so must the church continually reflect on its role in society. The Gospel message remains the same but the way in which the church carries out its mission is something that must be continually evaluated and adapted. As the religious climate in France continues to change, the Protestant church has the challenge of balancing its history with its future. Pray that Christians in France can continue to confess the love of Christ in an ever-changing world.

Shalom,

Tim Rose Tim Rose is a missionary with the Reformed Church of France. He works in the church’s program for refugees, primarily from Africa, which helps them in the resettlement process. Also, he works with projects related to the Middle East, specifically Palestine and Lebanon.