How many churches are there in France? What conditions are they in? What are its uses? To answer these types of questions, the Conference of Bishops of France (CEF) launched the General States of Religious Heritage in September 2023, the conclusions of which were presented on Monday, November 18 at the institution’s headquarters.
This national approach over fifteen months allowed 87 metropolitan dioceses to be questioned, of the 94 requested, to “take stock of the situation, question uses and promote heritage assets, whether material or intangible”indicates the CEF. This initiative follows, in particular, the report by Senators Pierre Ouzoulias and Anne Ventalon, presented in July 2022, which requested a “National inventory operation of religious heritage.”
Of the 87 dioceses, France therefore has 40,068 religious buildings of municipal property (since the law of 1905, churches built before this date are the responsibility of the municipalities). and 2,145 diocesan-owned religious buildings.
Three churches built per year
A figure that is paradoxically quite stable over the years. Only 326 municipal religious buildings were deconsecrated between 1905 and 2023 and 411 diocesan buildings (although the vast majority have been since 2015). On average, three churches are built per year, according to M.gram Alain Planet, bishop in charge of the States General, who compensates for the losses. But the condition or use of this heritage sometimes raises questions. Currently, 1,679 religious buildings remain closed throughout the year (health problems, depopulation of the territory, security, works, etc.).
With this in mind, a guide on the patronage of religious heritage was given to Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture, present at the conference, which will be sent to all mayors in France. “ [Le rapport Ouzoulias-Ventalon] had recommended assisting mayors in their search for advice on the maintenance, safeguarding, restoration and security of religious buildings. (…) “This guide is an adapted way to respond to this recommendation and the needs of mayors.”declared Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, archbishop of Reims and president of the CEF.
Inevitably the question of financing this heritage preservation arose. Rachida Dati did not make any statement on the matter, although she hoped that would be the case. But the minister reiterated her proposal to charge entry to Notre-Dame. “This proposal has caused debate, I know. But I find it coherent and I would like us to be able to study it seriously today.” developed Mme Datí.
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