Protestants in France today

     The Edict of Nantes assured religious peace for 87 years..  Catholicism and Protestantism were both allowed.  Louis XIII had some protestant revolts during his reign. Louis XIV was more harsh and persecuted them.  Many, many Protestants left the country. They went to America and brought their "protestant work ethic" with them. This blessed and prospered the colonies and later, the United States. Due to all the persecution in France, there was a loss of artisans, skilled workers and entrepreneurs.  Some Protestants brought fortunes with them to the new world. 

   The Protestants who remained in France would have to wait until the French Revolution and "The Declaration of The Rights of Man" in 1789 before they saw more liberty.

    Such a complex history makes religion in France a touchy subject. According to Francoscopie, 2007:

73% of French people say they have a religion.

62% say they are Catholic.

2% of the country calls themselves Protestant. These live mostly in the eastern part of France and are divided into the denominations of Calvinists, Lutherians, Evangelicals, Pentacostals, Methodists, 7th Day Adventists and Jehovah Witnesses. 

A survey indicated 1, 000 parishes and 2,000 pastors.  According to the same survey, 60% of the Protestants interviewed said they did not attend church regularly. 

      This is the situation facing us as we go to serve in France. May God touch hearts and open eyes!