Darmanin unveils the new reception gauge in places of worship

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin unveiled the new gauge "established" on Wednesday evening after consultation with the various cults to define the number of people now authorized to attend religious ceremonies.

"In order to reconcile freedom of exercise of worship and sanitary measures, a new presence gauge in religious buildings has been established. It provides, for the organization of ceremonies, to leave two seats free between each person or family entity and to occupy only one row out of two, "said the minister in a press release.

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A gauge in effect until December 15

This new gauge, which will apply until the next stage of deconfinement scheduled for December 15, must be formalized Thursday morning in a decree from the executive and follows the decision of the Council of State which had revoked a previous Sunday. government limitation to 30 people per religious building.

The high court, seized by Catholic associations, had found this gauge "disproportionate" and gave three days to the government to review its copy.

Reacting to the ministry's announcement, the Bishops' Conference (CEF) deemed the new gauge "proportionate to the capacity of buildings" and "applicable" despite its "binding" nature.

"The CEF is delighted that a constructive dialogue is renewed with the public authorities," the statement said.

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Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Jean Castex assured

had proposed a "quantitative limit of 30 faithful to a gauge of 6 m2 per faithful", while affirming that no decision had been taken.

"I am hopeful that a balanced agreement will be found," the Prime Minister said, also referring to the possibility of "loosening the gauge a little" for the Christmas ceremonies.

In his press release, Gérald Darmanin specifies that discussions with the cults "will continue in the coming days" in order to define the rules that will apply beyond December 15th.

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30% gauge in churches?

The Archbishop of Paris hopes for "a proportionate gauge"

Jean Castex had fixed last week the maximum capacity at 30 people per religious office, while ensuring that it would evolve "gradually" and could take into account the "overall capacity of reception" of the place of worship, before the Council of 'State does not ask him to review his copy.

When questioned, the Protestant Federation of France had affirmed that it would "be satisfied" with the proposal of 6m2.

Just like the French Council of Muslim Worship (CFCM), which in any case recommended that its mosque federations wait until December 15 before resuming Friday prayers.