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French culture and society have been profoundly shaped by Christianity for many centuries, particularly the Roman Catholic Church. However, since the 20th century, significant cultural and institutional shifts away from Catholicism and religiosity have led to the development of an increasingly secular society. Indeed, France is known for a kind of secularisation known as ±ô²¹Ñ—³¦¾±³Ùé, which is quite distinct from the country’s European counterparts like the Netherlands and Germany.¹ While secularisation prevails in French society and governance, increasing religious pluralism partly brought about through migration continues to be a point of tension in French politics and identity.²

Due to France’s strict secularism, the country has not officially collected data on religious affiliation since the 1972 national census. While accurate data on the religious composition of French society is difficult to ascertain, 2021 estimates suggest nearly half of the population identifies as Roman Catholic (47%).³ Of the remaining population who identified as religious, 4% identified as Muslim, 2% identified as Buddhist, 1% identified as Orthodox, 1% identified as Jewish and 1% identified with some other religion. A further 33% identified with no religion, and 9% did not specify a religious affiliation.

³¢²¹Ñ—³¦¾±³Ùé (Secularism)

The concept of ±ô²¹Ñ—³¦¾±³Ùé is considered by many to be an essential part of what it means to be a French citizen. According to the opening paragraph of the French Constitution (1958), ‘France shall be an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic’ (‘La France est une République indivisible, ±ô²¹Ã¯±ç³Ü±ð, démocratique et sociale’). The word ‘±ô²¹Ã¯±ç³Ü±ð’ is often translated into English as ‘secular’; however, this does not convey the same sense of the word. ³¢²¹Ñ—³¦¾±³Ùé (secularism) is a complex concept with different meanings.⁴ Generally, ±ô²¹Ñ—³¦¾±³Ùé may be defined as the complete isolation and separation of religious and public spheres. In theory, this means there is an absence of religious involvement in government affairs and vice versa.

³¢²¹Ñ—³¦¾±³Ùé captures the common attitude of the French state towards religion, which many French people also share. For example, many believe that there ought to be a complete division between a citizen’s public life and their private religious practice.⁵ Although the underlying aim of ±ô²¹Ñ—³¦¾±³Ùé is to promote freedom of thought and religious expression, in some cases it prevents the free practice of religion. In 2004, a ban was placed on all conspicuous religious symbols in public schools, effectively banning the wearing of hijabs, kippas (skullcaps) and crucifixes (among other conspicuous religious wear).⁴ Some interpreted the ban as an interference by the government in the religious life of citizens.

The topic of ±ô²¹Ñ—³¦¾±³Ùé has been debated extensively throughout the country since the early 2000s.² Many call for a revision of the approach to ±ô²¹Ñ—³¦¾±³Ùé as French society becomes more religiously pluralistic.⁵ Indeed, many believe religion is a worldview and way of being that cannot be treated as a distinct aspect separated from other parts of one’s life. In this sense, some argue that France is a secular state but not necessarily a secular society or nation.⁶

Christianity in France

Catholicism

Catholicism has a long and rich history in France spanning over fourteen centuries. Indeed, the Catholic Church was the official church of the state for many centuries, though radical changes to the relationship between the Church, state and society were brought about by the French Revolution (1787–1899).⁷ While no longer the official religion of the state, Catholicism remains the most affiliated religion and maintains a strong cultural presence in the country.⁸

The legacy and influence of Catholicism can be seen in everyday life. For instance, many communities throughout most of the country began as parishes. Today, many rural villages see the local parish church as a symbol of local identity. Many forms of Marian devotion (reverence of Mother Mary) continue to be seen through the presence of many shrines and statues throughout the country associated with apparitions, healing practices and pilgrimage.⁹

Many Catholics believe that the Church helps uphold traditional family values, authority and a sense of moral order and cohesion in society. This is partly evidenced by the continuing practice of commemorating many life cycle rites such as births, marriages and deaths at a church. However, given the prevalence of ±ô²¹Ñ—³¦¾±³Ùé in French society, many prefer to practice their faith outside religious institutions. According to the Pew Research Center, among the 64% of those who identify with a Christian tradition, approximately 18% attend church at least monthly.¹⁰

Other Christian Traditions

The shift away from the dominance of the Catholic Church during the French Revolution also saw a recognition by the state of France’s diverse Christian traditions.⁸ Unlike the continuing decline of those who identify as Catholic, identification with other denominations of Christianity has been steadily maintained.¹¹ Contemporary France is home to many Protestant, Evangelical and Eastern Orthodox Christian communities. In particular, Protestantism in France has become increasingly diversified along cultural-ethnic and denominational lines.^{11, 2} Some of the largest Protestant church communities include the Reformed Church of France, the Reformed Church of Alsace and Lorraine, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of France, among others.

Islam in France

Islam is the second-largest religious affiliation in France with estimates ranging from 5% to 8%.^{3, 2} Large influxes of Muslims immigrated to France in the 1950s and 1960s during the decolonisation period. Many such migrants arrived from the Maghreb (northwest Africa), such as Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. The 21st century has seen continued increases in the Muslim population partly due to migration and refugee flows.¹² Today, France has one of the largest Muslim populations in the European Union.¹²

The Muslim community is also one of the most established in Europe, with some Muslim families residing in France for over five generations.¹³ The religious practices of France’s Muslim population are incredibly diverse, in part due to generational differences. Other reasons for this diversity include the community’s or individual’s country of origin, socioeconomic status and following current trends in global Islam.² As such, some approach Islam with devotion and orthodoxy, maintaining many mainstream rituals, practices and dress codes, while others embrace Islam as a cultural or nominal identity.

Judaism in France

Judaism has a longstanding presence in France, dating back to the Middle Ages.² Despite the tragic impacts of World War II and the Holocaust, the Jewish community was rebuilt through surviving refugees from all over Europe and the subsequent migration of North African (Sephardi) Jewish communities after decolonisation.¹⁴ Today, France has the largest Jewish community in the European Union and the second-largest Jewish diaspora after the United States.¹⁵ France’s Jewish communities continue to pay homage to their spiritual and religious heritage by passing on traditions and knowledge from generation to generation within their family.