French Evangelicals through an American lens (GetReligion)

In our last post, we just highlighted the paper published by the Christian Science Monitor on French Evangelicals. A few days after, the GetReligion website (worth a visit!) released a critical review of this paper, written by George Conger.

Although it may be a little bit severe, it is inspiring (read also the comments).

Link here

French Evangelicals screened by the Christian Science Monitor

"For years, intellectuals proclaimed the end of Christianity in France, swallowed by the tides of modernity, science, and reason."

Not so sure! To know more, read this month the Christian Science Monitor, one of the most US respected magazine on christian news.

Robert Marquand, CS's Staff writer, authored a must-read study on French Evangelicals in the July 2012 issue. With facts, analysis, and comparative view (France/America). Link here

French pastor André Thobois (1924-2012) remembered

Often nicknamed "pastors' pastor" ("le pasteur des pasteurs"), French Evangelical leader André Thobois (1924-2012) passed away on the 26th of March, 2012.

A memorial service was held on the 31th of March, 2012, in the Avenue du Maine Baptist Church (Paris, France).

Christians from all denominations came to express their thanksgiving for what they considered to be such a lasting and fruitful ministry.

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Death of a megachurch leader in France: Selvaraj Rajiah (1952-2011)

Megachurches are not just a US (or Nigerian, Korean...) phenomenon.

Even Secular France has got some, including Paris Christian Center in La Courneuve (North of Paris), attracting more than 4,000 regular attenders every week.

This is why the sudden and unexpected death of Selvaraj Rajiah, senior pastor of PCC, is a major event in the French protestant news.

Now in bookstores and on Amazon: La nouvelle France protestante

An IFOP national Survey in 2010 reveals a brand new Protestant map in France.

While many speak openly about the collapse of organized Christianity in contemporary France, the heirs of French Reformers (including French-born John Calvin) are currently growing.

Although this is unexpected, it can't be denied. This process goes along with the spread of Evangelical new communities. A third of all current French protestants are Evangelicals, while 60% remain attached to the presbyterian and lutheran traditions. This new landscape draws questions and requires analysis.

French Evangelical News: a new portal

Under the umbrella of an Evangelical network whose main ambition is to support Christian witness in France, let's highlight this website: http://www.scoop.it/t/french-evangelical-news.

This new portal puts together news from many different origins (including this blog), and appears to be a valuable ressource in order to document French Evangelicals' contemporary life.

Immigration impact on an old Parisian congregation: a case study

As migrants flow in increasing numbers in "old Europe", changing forever social and cultural landscapes, more and more studies are currently undergone about new multicultural and immigrant churches.

Although all Christian traditions are impacted by immigration, Evangelicalism is at the frontline, as warm, grassroot and zealous Evangelical congregations appear more attractive to migrants than other more traditional religious forms.

Lorraine Winston (1922-2011)

Strange, while highlighting the Faculté de Vaux-sur-Seine's impact on the French Evangelical field, I mentioned a few days ago John Winston and Lorraine Winston's legacy. In their own ways, both of them impacted French contemporary Protestant history.

I just learned that Lorraine Winston passed away. The service will be held on the 24th of October, 2011.

A rare insight on a French Evangelical "hub"

In demographic terms, Evangelicalism in France amounts to a third of all French Protestants.

In terms of practicing Protestants, however, the rate is very different. Around two thirds (if not three quarters) of practicing Protestants in contemporary France are Evangelicals.

But lots of research still needs to be done in order to know better these French born-again citizens.

The rise of French Evangelicals: an article from the Guardian

Lizzy Davies, a journalist from the Guardian, called me a few days ago to ask me some questions about French Evangelicals.

 

Unfortunatly, I was not in my home and I did not have the opportunity to answer in due time.

 

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