Amid ongoing debate over religious freedoms in France, the government’s anti-religious MIVILUDES has been criticized for its bias against religion, particularly for broadening its survey to include traditional Catholic customs. This raises concerns about the fairness of the organization, which has historically focused on minority religions.
The Missionary Family of Our Lady (FMND) led by Father Superior Bernard Domini is currently embroiled in a dispute under updated anti-religious legislation in France. The charges cite Article 223 15 2 of the French Penal Code, which aims to protect minors and vulnerable people from exploitation. However, FMND critics argue that the scope of this law could potentially undermine religious practices and freedoms.
MIVILUDES, tasked with monitoring and addressing trends, is accused of scrutinizing Catholicism with the same intensity as it did with smaller religious communities in the past, which would also deserve the protection of anti-religious agencies. Their reports claim that Catholic traditions such as vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are tools of “control”, while established beliefs are labeled “misleading information”, intended to manipulate followers. These accusations echo criticisms often directed at mainstream and smaller religious groups, even if they only aim to guide people towards a more responsible and ethical life, away from the excesses of immorality imposed on society through too many channels.
The FMND responded by stating that its practices are distorted and that engagement in life revolves around an individual’s personal vocation rather than recruitment. They emphasize: “In the realm of life, we are not actively recruiting! It is up to the individual to respond to a call from God.” The congregation asserts that core religious practices should not be misinterpreted as manipulative or coercive. And this is where experts and activists around the world tell the Catholic Church, its priests and nuns, that they should seek the same protection for smaller and newer religions, because once a government agency is authorized or supported to deal with smaller religions, they will become “brave” and do so toward more established religions as well.
This situation highlights a problem with MIVILUDES’ approach. Critics argue that the organization’s actions (although they are also under investigation by the Court of Auditors) demonstrate an ingrained bias against religious expressions, whether from established religions such as Catholicism or minority faiths such as Scientology or Jehovah’s Witnesses. They argue that such a view undermines the values of equality and respect for all religions, arguing for a balanced and respectful treatment of religious practices, regardless of their scale or history.
Global voices, including the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, have expressed concern about the implications of France’s legal position, suggesting it could violate the fundamental right to religious freedom and expression.
The FMND trial prompts reflection on the role of the state in controlling religious practices. It calls into question both religious principles and freedom while calling for fair treatment of all faiths.
This particular situation could shape perspectives on religious acceptance and diversity in France, as the community struggles to determine the extent of state involvement in religious views, practices and traditions.
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