Thursday, April 28, 2016

Huguenots: Where are They Now

French Huguenots were a part of the reformed reformation process and mainly located in within France. The Huguenots like the Cathars, who preceded them, had to fight for their beliefs against the French Catholics . Yet unlike the Cathars the French Huguenots successfully defended their faith and were not exterminated. Under the edict of Nantes the Huguenots were protected until it was repealed in 1685. The result would be a massive diaspora of hundreds of thousands French citizens to more accepting protestant nations such as Great Britain and Germanic Countries. Great Britain which allowed much more religious freedom in her colonies is probably why so many Huguenots who retain their denominations traditions are currently residing in Australia. Though their numbers are vastly smaller than at their height which was around 2 million French believers. Though many assimilated to the cultures of the countries they fled to. While not all Huguenots fled France and a couple Huguenot communities remain in southern France. As in 1787 protestants such as the Huguenots finally were accepted and considered equal citizens under law. Also there is a Huguenot society in America that accepts applicants who can prove Huguenot heritage or is sponsored by a current member. 

1 comment:

  1. Interesting information on the Huguenots- did you find that there was any specific advantage that this reform group had in comparison to peers like the Cathars?

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.