French Protestant organizations agree to permanent dialogue

The two primary Protestant umbrella organizations in France, the Protestant Federation of France (FPF) and the National Council of Evangelicals in France (CNEF), have agreed to establish a permanent forum for dialogue and cooperation. Following an unprecedented two-day meeting held on September 3-4 in Sète, the organizations issued a joint statement recognizing each other as ‘authentic expressions of French Protestantism.’

The agreement aims to move past historical misunderstandings and theological differences to build a relationship based on mutual respect and shared service. The new structured dialogue will focus on three specific areas of concern: chaplaincy services, the defense of fundamental freedoms, and the representation of Protestants at both national and local levels.

The FPF, which has represented historic Protestant churches in France since 1905, and the CNEF, founded in 2010, intend to follow a jointly set timetable for meetings while respecting the distinct identity and vocation of each body.