National Order of Merit awarded to Evangelical Council President

Etienne Lhermenault of the National Council of Evangelicals in France (CNEF), received the National Order of Merit, an award given by the President of the French Republic. The ceremony was held during the CNEF General Assembly, on December 8.

The theologian Louis Schweitzer presented the medal to the Baptist pastor. The award recognises Lhermenault’s work as a pastor and recognises the contributions the CNEF has made to society after the evangelical council was founded in June 2010.

 

Etienne Lhermenault (53 years old) is a professor of theology at the Bible Institute of Nogent since 2008. Prior he was the pastor of two evangelical churches in two different unions (Baptist and Free) in the Toulouse region for 7 years. He then was elected secretary general of the Federation of Evangelical Baptist Churches for 11 years.

Lhermenault said some words in the presence of his family, friends and Courtade Pascal, the head of the Interior Ministry Central Office for Religious Groups.

He first thanked his parents who gave him a solid base of education, but also his wife who supports him in everything he undertakes. He also added “I owe everything to the Lord, life and service.”

 

TH NATIONAL ORDER OF MERIT

The National Order of Merit is awarded by the President of the French Republic. It was created in 1963 and is the second national Order after the Legion of Honor.

Its purpose is to reward “distinguished merit”, “honouring individuals from all fields of activity.”

The Order’s purpose is to “reflect a dynamic society”, “set an example” and “recognise diversity.”

The order has now 187,000 members. 57% of members are decorated in a civilian capacity.