Apr. 4, 2007 - French Secularism Meets Christian Evangelical Artists
What a pleasant dinner we had last night with CrossWorld missionaries, Kevin & Pat Mayer. Over Mexican food and chit-chat, Kevin & Pat shared with us their unique vision for their upcoming ministry in France. What makes their ministry unique, you say?
I can explain that best by first citing some statistics I ferreted out on the web last night.
- According to the US Department of State the vast majority of the population in France is nominally Roman Catholic, nominally because only 8% of the population actually practice Catholicism. Muslims comprise the next largest religious group with approximately 7% of the population. Protestants, including a variety of denominations, make up only 2% and Jewish and Buddhist faiths each garner 1%.
- A December 2006 poll by Harris Interactive, published in The Financial Times, found that 32% of the French population described themselves as agnostic, another 32% atheist, and only 27% believed in any type of God or Supreme Being.
- Gallup International reports that only 15% of the French regularly attend religious services, compared to 57% of Americans.
- France is a secularist country that marked its hundredth year of separation of church and state in 2005.
- As a people, the French consider it offensive to discuss matters of religion. Communalism, (forming religious communities separate from mainstream life) is considered undesirable.
- Most French politicians do not divulge their religious preferences.
Kevin and Pat have a vision to reach French people through Pat’s artistic gift of painting, and Kevin’s gifts of communication and photography. Recognizing that the arts are of paramount importance in the French culture, Kevin and Pat hope to establish rapport with other artists and enthusiasts and enter into evangelistic discussions inoffensively through their mutual interests in art.
Kevin and Pat are collecting financial, spiritual, and networking support now for their upcoming relocation to France. Although living expenses in France are substantial, Kevin & Pat have achieved 60% of their financial goal, which is a tremendous blessing.
In the words of Isaiah: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary…”
For more information about Kevin & Pat’s vision you can e-mail them at Kevin.mayer@crossworld.org. You can also learn more about CrossWorld at www.crossworld.org.
© Sallie H. 2007, All rights reserved.
