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The definition of secularism (laïcité) (2/2)
The sheet aims to make the diversity of religions in France known. It also aims to identify the place and role of religions in relation to the State.
Key points of the sheet
- France is a country of religious diversity. Several religions, currents of thought and spiritualities are practised there.
- This diversity can exist within the same family.
- Each person is free to practise the religion of their choice. They must respect others.
- Not believing, no longer believing or changing religion is a right. In France, many people say they have no religion.
- The most represented religion in France is the Catholic religion.
- The Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist communities in France are each the largest in Europe.
Words to know
- religious diversity (diversité religieuse)
- France is a country of religious diversity: several religions are practised there.
- freedom to practise the religion of one's choice (liberté de pratiquer la religion de son choix)
- Each person has this freedom, while respecting others.
- Catholic religion (religion catholique)
- It is the most represented religion in France.
- Muslim community (communauté musulmane)
- The Muslim community in France is the largest in Europe.
Test yourself: 3 questions
What is the most represented religion in France?
In French, the language of the exam: Quelle est la religion la plus représentée en France ?
The sheet says that the most represented religion in France is the Catholic religion.
In Europe, the Muslim community in France is:
In French, the language of the exam: En Europe, la communauté musulmane de France est :
The Muslim community in France is the largest in Europe.
Can religious diversity exist within the same family?
In French, the language of the exam: La diversité des religions peut-elle exister dans une même famille ?
The sheet says that religious diversity can be found within the same family.
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Questions on the ministry's list that rest on this sheet
- A person says they do not believe in any god. What can we say?
- Which statement about practising a religion is correct?
- Does a person have the right not to believe in a religion?
- Can a person freely change religion?
More in this topic (Secularism (laïcité))
- The history of secularism (laïcité)
- The definition of secularism (laïcité) (1/2)
- Secularism (laïcité) at school (1/2)
Source
Sheet “La définition de la laïcité (2/2)” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.