Ifop for L’Œuvre d’Orient has carried out a survey of French people on their perceptions of Eastern Christians. A majority of French people say they have heard of Eastern Christians, but only 26% know exactly who they are.
After a brief definition of Eastern Christians, 61% of French people agree with the statement that Eastern Christians are today exposed to violence or discrimination in the countries where they live; and 59% think that recent conflicts have accentuated this vulnerability. A majority of French people (55%) even indicate that the demographic future of Eastern Christians is threatened in several countries. The high levels of “don’t know” responses show, however, that the subject is still poorly understood.
Nearly four out of ten French people (39%) say that the fate of Eastern Christians affects them personally. This proportion rises to 83% among practicing Catholics, and 66% among those who say they know exactly who the Eastern Christians are.
The demand for greater French involvement remains measured, but not negligible: 35% of French people would like France to become more involved in strengthening its presence and influence in the Middle East, and 34% to support the Christians of the East. This support is particularly strong among practising Catholics, 77% of whom would like France to become more involved in supporting these communities. Among those in favor of greater French involvement, the primary motivation is to enable Eastern Christians to remain living in their own country if they so wish (40%).
L’Œuvre d’Orient – helping Eastern Christians since 1856Œuvre d’Orient – serving Eastern Christians
