The Reformed Church of France (ERF) has a rich history, originating from the work of John Calvin. Its first synod was held in 1559. Thereafter it suffered severe persecution and martyrdom through more than two centuries of Roman Catholic domination in France. In the 19th century the Reformed Church suffered further from theological conflict within itself, resulting in a split into separate churches. In 1938, the divided bodies were finally reunited, joined at that time also by the small French Methodist Church.
The ERF continues to live as a small minority – only 1.5% of the population of France. It has 350,000 members in about 500 congregations. Its strength in the past was concentrated in rural areas in widely scattered areas of the country, and the decline of the rural population and rapid change to an industrialized society has posed a further challenge for the church. Still, in spite of small numbers, the ERF maintains an active, progressive, and responsible role in its witness amid an overwhelmingly secular society.
Its leaders report that in recent years in this most extremely de-christianized country in a generally de-christianized Europe, there has been a resurgence of interest in spirituality, as people look again to the churches for answers they have failed to find from other sources.
Pray for
...the Reformed Church of France in its ministries and witness
...missionary Tim Rose, serving migrants and refugees without status, language, or opportunities
Rose, Timothy
France
Tim Rose, has been appointed to serve the Reformed Church of France as a program assistant with the Refugee Migrant Program. He will be itinerating in the US through 4/30/09.
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