Learning from Paris

Abstract

While Christianity in France continues to decline overall, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paris seems to be experiencing a small-scale revival among a “creative minority” of often younger Christians. Rooted in the vision and leadership of Jean-Marie Cardinal Lustiger, these pockets of vitality exhibit several common themes, among them intentional formation, rootedness in prayer, the importance of beauty, pilgrimage, and the influence of monastic or neo-monastic movements. Despite many French cultural distinctives, some of the emphases of these flourishing communities and initiatives might be useful as American Episcopalians attempt to reshape ministry and community life for an increasingly post-Christian culture.