A top judicial expert has expressed doubts over recent attempts by the French government to set up and enforce laws against what it defines as “dangerous religious sects.”

Professor Jacques Robert said that criminal laws were sufficient to deal with illegal activities, not laws specifically targeted at religious groups. Robert is a former member of the French Conseil Constitutionnel (the equivalent of the United States Supreme Court), president of the French Center of Comparative Law, professor of Public Law at the Paris Pantheon, and honorary president of the University of Paris.

“What needs to be done is to follow laws dealing with criminal activities and punish any breaches of such laws,” said Robert in a meeting at the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s World Headquarters. “Sects are not above the law, any more than any other religious groups. If they are guilty of criminal actions then deal with them, but not through a witch-hunt.”

Robert pointed out that the word “secte” in French is negative and pejorative in association, and that public opinion in the country was strongly against some religious minorities. However, to distinguish between “approved” and “non-approved” religions was contrary to principles of liberty, equality and fraternity, he said.

“The authorities asked me to examine the difference between a sect and a religion,” Robert said. “But this is a very difficult question, since a group that acknowledges a Supreme Being, has worship services, employs clergy, and so on is just as much a religion as an established church. From the perspective of religious liberty, you cannot discriminate officially between religions, but in practice many still do.”

Robert was welcomed by the president of the Adventist World Church, Pastor Jan Paulsen, who expressed appreciation for Robert’s contribution to the promotion of religious freedom. In his response, Robert identified common values he shared with Adventists.

“We agree that we are here on earth to help others benefit from the talents God has given us,” said Robert. “While we live in a society where money dictates so much, we point to the values of the world of the spiritual. We are committed to the principle of freedom for all, and in France we have a tradition of liberty. I am happy to work with you in promoting such values, recognizing your commitment to religious liberty as a recognized Christian church community.”