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The article examines the concepts of civil religion in three different areas in France. It states that Laïcité, which is considered as a contemporary civil religion, was dogmatized in a keynote speech by former President Jacques Chirac in December 2003. It indicates that laïcité was the object and part of a true political war. It also discusses the value of the Republic as the object of a civil religion that widens the restricted circle of laïcité religion.

Discusses the challenges and opportunities for religion in the public sphere in both Europe and the U.S. Differences between how Europe, specially France, and the U.S. define the public sphere; Place of religion in the public sphere in Europe; Assertion that both countries' perceptions of the place of religion in the public sphere are endangering freedom of religion; Insights into how both Europe and the U.S. should adapt some of their practices to guarantee freedom of religion more fully.