The President of the Conference of Bishops of France has filed a case with the country’s top Constitutional Court to challenge coronavirus restrictions that would cease public worship.

The petition to the Council of State, says that the restrictions “undermine the freedom of worship which is one of the fundamental freedoms in our country”. Writing on behalf of all the French bishops, Monsignor Éric de Moulins-Beaufort, archbishop de Reims, says the measures are disproportionate. He adds: “For the faithful, these celebrations are vital because they are an encounter with the Lord and with their brothers”.

There has been a lack of uniformity across Europe in general regarding whether mass and other religious services should be banned during enhanced covid restrictions. Ireland, France and England are stopping public worship, but it is still permitted in countries such as Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain.