The Pilgrim interviewed as part of the States General of Religious Heritage

After a phase of identification and census which brought the number of religious buildings in France to 100,000, the States General of Religious Heritage, initiated by the Conference of Bishops of France, are now questioning the future of these monuments . At the heart of their thinking is the opening of churches to shared uses.

In June 2023, the question was brought to the Senate during the conference “Communal churches in the service of the common good?” organized by the Pilgrim Institute of Heritage. Pilgrimstrong in its commitment to promoting shared church initiatives, took part in the debate.

Thanks to its “I love my bell tower” competition, the title knows that religious heritage is unifying and to what extent the French are concerned not to see it disappear. This is why it has been involved for more than 30 years through its Grand Prix du Patrimoine, alongside volunteers who restore the treasures of Christian heritage.

Catherine Lalanne, editor-in-chief at Pilgrim, was invited to speak during these States General on its commitment to the preservation of religious heritage.

Benoît de Sagazan is also an ambassador for the preservation of religious heritage. In his interview, he underlines the urgency for churches in danger to open up to shared uses compatible with worship. His expertise within the Pilgrim Institute of Heritage feeds the investigation carried out by the Estates General of Religious Heritage concerning the safeguarding of all real estate, movable and intangible heritage, valued for and by the Catholic cult.