Catholic World News News Feature

Sarkozy lauds French tradition of secularism February 15, 2008

French President Nicolas Sarkozy reaffirmed his commitment to the country's tradition of secularism in a speech this week to representatives of French Jewish groups.

Sarkozy reassured his listeners that although he had praised religious faith in two recent addresses-- one delivered in Rome in December, the other in Saudi Arabia in January-- he had "never said that secular morality is inferior to religious morality." "Never did I suggest that the schoolteacher is inferior to the pastor, the rabbi, or the imam in transmitting values," Sarkozy said. Rather, he explained, the educator and the religious figure are filling different roles. He stressed his belief that all French schoolchildren should be instructed in secular morality. At the same time, he added, they should become acquainted with religious traditions that will "open the spiritual question for them."

Sarkozy said that the secularity of the French state is "a very precious treasure" that should not be called into question. He said, however, that the state's neutrality should preclude recognizing the good works done by religious communities in helping the poor, educating the young, and bringing comfort to the sick and needy.