Former Minister of Defense, Michèle Alliot-Marie speaks at exceptional conference in Saint-Rémy-de

The Cour des arts in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is hosting a distinguished guest on Thursday, April 30th. Michèle Alliot-Marie, former Minister of Defense, will discuss with the audience at the Ciné Palace the role of religion in the French army during an exceptional conference she talks about here for La Provence.

Your conference “Religions and the French Army” questions the compatibility between religious practice within the army and the secularism of the country.

This paradox is at the heart of the subject. It is often forgotten that the 1905 law, while separating church and state, primarily reaffirms freedom of worship. It does not reject religions, but affirms the freedom to believe, think, and practice outside the public domain.

Is it logical for the Minister of the Interior to also be the Minister of Worship?

I must admit that I pondered this question when I was appointed to Beauvau. It is a tradition and a logic. The Minister of the Interior is responsible for upholding the law and public order.

It seems normal, therefore, that they are the one who ensures the application of the 1905 law in all its complexity, with freedom of worship and all.