Church in France seeks to help restore a sense of meaning

In light of recent episodes of violence, the Church in France is calling for a response to the anxiety expressed by young people and those who feel marginalized or left behind, with the Archbishop of Tours advocating for restoring democratic dialogue through intermediary institutions. Read all  

By Marie Duhamel “Our country has fallen prey to unacceptable violence.” In a statement, the Bishops’ Conference of France (CEF) addresses the “serious unrest” that occurred on the sidelines of authorized demonstrations on October 17. Law enforcement officers were attacked and injured, shops were looted, public facilities were damaged, and buildings representing state institutions were ransacked. “These scenes of rioting have left the country in a state of shock, fear, and desolation, raising numerous questions about the root causes of this crisis,” the CEF presidency notes. The demonstrations this weekend follow a month of protests by high school students. Several bishops have, in fact, met with these young people, who lament the deterioration of conditions within their schools—a lack of the basic requirements for proper study, the absence of teachers, and widespread disorganization and absenteeism.

Individual distress and converging interests “Of course, there are legitimate grievances,” explains Archbishop Vincent Jordy, one of the CEF vice-presidents who signed the statement. “I believe it is important, in a democratic society, that those who are grappling with questions or suffering are able to express them”—whether they are young people or members of the “Yellow Vests” movement. Archbishop Jordy describes a society today that is “anxiety-inducing,” shaped by the new global order, the European crisis, wars, ecological