France's Anti-Sect Law

ROME, JULY 27, 2001 -- The Jesuit biweekly La Civiltà Cattolica has come out against a French anti-sect law that critics fear could be used against the Church.

The Catholic hierarchy of France opposed the law, which took effect in May, saying it could be used against some practices of traditionally accepted religions, including monastic life.

Because of the law, France ended up in Aid to the Church in Need's 2001 Report as one of the countries that violate the right of religious liberty.

The article in the July 26 issue of La Civiltà Cattolica was written by Jesuit Father Paolo Ferrari da Passano and reviewed by the Vatican before it was published.

The article noted that the Church does not favor a law aimed at the activity of religious groups, since the criminal codes in general include provisions for the defense of society against abuses by destructive sectarian groups.

Father Ferrari wrote: "The defense of public order does not give the state the right to interfere in the internal affairs of a religious group in regard to its beliefs and doctrines."

"Legislation on sects," he added, "could raise the suspicion that it is, or might become, a weapon in the hands of those who not only want to combat but also restrict these groups, and reduce the public relevance of the religious factor: It could become a threat to religious liberty and the profession of faith, of any faith."

With the French law, for example, the state could eventually censure traditional religious practices, such as fasting, or the schedule of sleep in some monasteries.