France is experiencing a tense calm following the imposition of curfews and bans on street gatherings after a week that has resulted in incalculable damage in many cities.

The riots in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and elsewhere followed an escalation in the intensity of student protests over recent weeks, with demonstrators demanding greater investment in education. Subsequently, the protests were joined by the so-called ‘yellow vests’ movement, which had already led fierce strikes over the past decade against the French government over fuel prices and low wages.

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Over the weekend of 17 and 18 October alone, the authorities estimated that between 700,000 and 800,000 people were protesting across France, a figure that far exceeded their forecasts.

The violence unleashed at the end of the demonstrations by violent groups produced images that have been seen around the world: the historic town hall in Limoges ablaze, thousands of shops looted in broad daylight, burning cars, barricades of paving stones, extreme violence against the police, and plumes of smoke rising simultaneously in various neighbourhoods of Paris.

Ahead of another weekend of protests, French President Emmanuel Macron convened a Defence Council to decide how to bolster security in the cities. The deployment of military personnel and elite police officers is expected.

Evangelicals: anxiety is real but violence cannot be accepted

Among the various sectors of society that have responded to the situation is the National Council of Evangelicals in France (CNEF), the country’s Evangelical Alliance.

The CNEF, which brings together and represents the majority of evangelical churches and organisations in France, speaks of a “deterioration of the social climate” and points to “the rising cost of living, growing precariousness, the decline in public health and education services, and young people’s anxiety about their future”.

This widespread sentiment within French society cannot be ignored; it “deserves to be heard” and must be addressed, including by the churches.

However, the Evangelical Alliance “condemns such unacceptable violence in the strongest possible terms. Nothing can justify looting, the destruction of other people’s property or harm to the physical integrity of one’s fellow human beings”.

Solidarity with the victims of the destruction

For all the above reasons, the statement continues – which was published on the CNEF website on 20 October – “our thoughts and prayers go first and foremost to the victims: those who have been injured and their families, shopkeepers, craftspeople and employees who have seen their livelihoods devastated, as well as the elected representatives and public officials who have been affected”.

The organisation points out that these people “are our neighbours, our loved ones, and, for some, members of our churches”.

Quoting Romans 12:21 (“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”), churches are called upon to organise prayer meetings for the country. They are also urged to offer practical help and counselling to “those affected in their local communities”.

Prayer for those in precarious circumstances and those in “real distress”

The call to prayer also includes intercession for an end to the social unrest and violence, as well as justice for those in “precarious circumstances and anxiety about the future: secondary school pupils, students, families, and all those in genuine distress. Let us pray that just solutions may be found for them”.

The CNEF also remembers the police and the authorities. “Let us pray for police officers, gendarmes, firefighters and healthcare workers, who have been put to the test by weeks of tension. Let us pray for leaders, mayors and elected representatives”

The statement concludes by noting that the New Testament speaks of the key role of “peacemakers”. The CNEF asks that people pray that “every church, in its town or neighbourhood, may be a place of welcome, listening, fellowship and practical help”.