“Églises de la diversité” (churches with roots in migration) — born of migration, often charismatic
- Churches with roots in migrationFrance, from 1960‹
- Migration, local initiatives, transnational networks20th c.; side-by-side contributions‹
- Diverse Protestant traditionsthe missions of the 19th–20th c. are one of the contributions‹
- Reformation1517
The expression “Églises de la diversité” (churches with roots in migration) refers to a sociological category and to a cultural and migratory landscape, not to a denomination. These congregations, from diverse Protestant traditions, have formed through migration, local initiatives and transnational networks: some continue churches founded by Protestant missions in Africa, the Caribbean and Asia, others are sent by a mother church or arise locally from the 1960s onwards.
The groups described by the French studies cited in this guide often have a Pentecostal or charismatic outlook, a congregationalist organisation and a young membership. These tendencies do not describe every assembly: languages, liturgies, government and affiliations vary. Many join existing unions, some of them members of the CNEF; others remain independent. These congregations continue several missionary histories, rather than a single institutional branch.
Further background
A category, not a denomination
“Églises de la diversité” describes a cultural and migratory landscape. It is neither a single union nor a particular doctrine.
The missionary movement is reversed
Churches once evangelised from Europe now send pastors, missionaries and congregations to France: mission becomes truly worldwide.
Great variety
Many of these congregations are Pentecostal or charismatic, but not all. Languages, liturgies, forms of government and national affiliations can vary greatly.
Source of this supplement: an overview category specific to this guide, defined above; CNEF reference material; Antoine Nouis, “Les Églises issues de l’immigration”, Regards protestants, 19 January 2024 (section “Une mosaïque d’Églises”) (in French)
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