Secularism Today: Challenges and Prospects 120 Years After the 1905 Law

The law establishing the separation of church and state (December 9, 1905) is 120 years old. While it provided a clear answer to the question it sought to resolve—that of the relationship between the state and religious actors within society—confusion still prevails in public debate and in the public mind, as it is fueled by new issues and the self-serving mobilization of certain actors in this debate.

Under these circumstances, the original principle of secularism from 1905 is invoked in some quarters, called into question in others, and elsewhere given new meanings by a confused public. 120 years after the original law, how can we analyze the new challenges, observe and understand the changes, so that everyone—especially public servants and university faculty—can define their stance in their professional lives and as citizens?

A lecture and discussion open only to staff and students of theUM, presented as part of the 120th anniversary of the law separating church and state by Jean-Paul Udave, Secularism Advisor at the University of Montpellier, and organized by the Office of Campus Life.