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Question for Clergy

Time of past OR future Camino
First one in 1977 by train. Many since then by foot. Next one ASAP.
I know from my own experience that wearing a cassock (soutane) on the street is permitted in Spain.

But is it permitted in France? I am under the impression that it is not.....
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
I am not sure I understand you right, why and by whom would it be prohibited? Without going into politics, I know that some parts of France have laws/regulations about what kind of swim wear is allowed on some beaches and what not.

I have seen cassocks (soutane) being worn on French streets and a short search of French news leads to links like this one: https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/societe/les-nouveaux-cures-de-brive-portent-la-soutane-1504273801 So, no problem ;-)

Bon Chemin, SY
 
It was restricted before World War I, if my memory serves me well. However, very few clergy wear it or, indeed, wear a clerical collar-- many priests I have met wear a suit or jacket with a cross in the lapel. My friends in France have told me that a cleric wearing a cassock in the street would be seen by most to be very politically (right-wing) inclined. I've just done a check and it was forbidden 1792-1801, and in a few municipalities in the 1890s and the first decade of the 1900s. There is no current restriction and, from my reading of French society, unlikely to be one in the forseeable future.
 
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I have seen clergy peregrinos in soutanes / cassocks walking the Camino across Spain. Typically, these fellows are in a group. Working at the Pilgrim Office, I have also seen them on queue with the arriving pilgrims.

I do not have knowledge of the practice in France. But, as others have said, I cannot imagine there being a law against it.

Just as an aside, and because someone above touched on it, head coverings and those coverings that obscure one's face, are proscribed in several European countries. But, these laws dates back to the 1970s and 1980s when various Western-European countries were having problems with terrorist organizations that liked to rob banks, kidnap people for ransom or political reasons and to stage attacks across Europe. Examples include, but are not limited to, the Red Brigades, Black Hand, ETA, etc.

While some may point to current issues regarding recent arrivals from the middle East and Africa (no moderators, I will NOT go further), the fact is that most of these head covering restrictions have antecedents that stretch back some 35 or more years. These laws are primarily intended to permit law enforcement to identify potential criminal and terrorist suspects, contributing to the general safety of the population. Contrary to some opinion, they are NOT intended to restrict the practice of religion. This said, I cannot speak to more recently implemented rules. I do believe that the French and Italian laws pre-date current geopolitical issues.

Hope this helps the dialog.
 
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..but do you intend to go on the route in cassock.
Question is meant from the practical side;
- will this allow you a free movement of your legs, will your body be able to breathe,
or is it purely in your after-walking hours !?

I get that your identity and your activity on the Way is connected with the cassock ..
 
I met an American Priest walking in 2015 that walked the CF in a lightweight cassock he had made for the task.
With his wide brimmed hat he was instantly recognised and well liked by all who met him.

When talking about why he was walking in a Cassock, he said, 'well I'm kind of at work'....... And he was.

Lovely guy.

In France? Can't help. Sorry.
 
..but do you intend to go on the route in cassock.
Question is meant from the practical side;
- will this allow you a free movement of your legs, will your body be able to breathe,
or is it purely in your after-walking hours !?

I get that your identity and your activity on the Way is connected with the cassock ..
Only for use after the day's walking is done.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
If you are a priest, Catholic or Anglican or other denomination, I think you better contact your ...dont't know how to call it, Oder? in France, ( or even your own country) and get the accurate answer
 
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