Separatism: discover the practical and legal guide proposed by the CNEF for the Churches

Since last year, the National Council of Evangelicals of France (CNEF) has been mobilizing to help churches understand and anticipate the changes brought about by the law confirming respect for the principles of the Republic adopted in August 2021. This Monday, the CNEF publishes a legal and practical guide for churches to accompany them in the application of this law.  

The law confirming respect for the principles of the French Republic was adopted on August 24, 2021. This controversial law, and challenged on several occasions by religions, profoundly modifies the 1905 law, law of separation of Churches and State.

The National Council of Evangelicals of France (CNEF), which initially worked alongside other religions to develop the bill, has set itself the task of informing and supporting the churches in its implementation. work.

After a webinar and the publication ofinfographics in September 2021 as well as the organization of six “legal days” for church leaders that took place between January and April 2022, the CNEF publishes  a legal and practical guide for all leaders of churches and associations.

The first two parts of the guide, which concern the declaration of religious quality and the question of funding from abroad, have been available since September 12.

It is now available for download in its entirety with information on: the worship police, mixed associations, local law associations, resources and heritage, the prefect's control over places of worship, the contract of republican commitment, donations and tax receipts as well as accounting.

A guide that offers clear and illustrated explanations on the various subjects that occupy the evangelical churches since the implementation of this new law.

As the CNEF reminds us in this booklet, it is important to note that although the law confirming respect for the principles of the Republic modified the legal regime of religious associations, it did not affect "the principles of freedom of religion, which includes the freedom to manifest one's beliefs in public or in private”.

CNE President Erwan Cloarec also invites evangelicals not to focus “on the disadvantages of this new law”, but to continue “to bear witness, in word and deed, to the Good News”.

“May our evangelical Protestant religious associations continue to bring together a people of worshipers and witnesses of our God! “, he writes in conclusion of his” word of the president “.

Camille Westphal Perrier

Image credit: CNEF