Plymouth Brethren Construct New Place of Worship in Nîmes, France

The Plymouth Brethren, also known as the Brothers of Plymouth, have begun constructing a new place of worship on Chemin des Crécerelles in Nîmes. The 990 m2 hall, which will include 149 parking spaces, is currently under development. Initial reactions from the local community were mixed, with some mistakenly believing the site was intended for a mosque due to its location on an unpaved path near the road to Alès.

The neighborhood committee of Villeverte expressed concerns regarding the project, sending a letter to Jacques Perotti, the deputy for urban planning, to inquire about both the urban planning aspects and the nature of the worship activities planned for the site. The Plymouth Brethren, an evangelical church with roots in the Darbyites, have been present in Nîmes since 1850. They are known for their discreet and closed nature, often refusing to communicate unless their identity is not revealed or they are not photographed.

A 2005 report from the Miviludes, an organization that lists cults, had labeled the Plymouth Brethren as having “sectarian deviations.” In response, the group decided to address the report by providing a more accurate portrayal of their activities. Philippe T., a representative of the group, explained that the report omitted the principle of contradiction, making it difficult for them to defend themselves. This prompted the Plymouth Brethren to share their perspective with the public.

The Plymouth Brethren community in Nîmes consists of only thirty families, with additional congregations in Alès and Toulon. Worship services, which do not include a pastor, are held alternately at different locations. The new hall aims to accommodate larger gatherings, reflecting the group’s desire to expand their capacity for worship and community activities.

The Plymouth Brethren have emphasized that the new building will be “like a hall, very discreet, blending into the landscape, without nuisance to the neighborhood.” They also stated that as Christians, they have a duty of exemplarity. While they have not disclosed the cost of the project, they have assured the community that the facility will be designed to meet their needs without causing disruption.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)