Etienne Lhermenault, President of the National Council of Evangelicals in France (CNEF), received the National Order of Merit, which is awarded by the President of the French Republic. The ceremony was held during the CNEF General Assembly, on December 8.

The theologian Louis Schweitzer presented the medal to the Baptist pastor. The award validates Lhermenault’s work as a pastor and recognises the contributions the CNEF has made to society after the evangelical council was founded in June 2010.

Etienne Lhermenault (53 years old) is a professor of theology at the Bible Institute of Nogent since 2008. Prior to being professor of theology, he was the pastor of two evangelical churches in two different unions (Baptist and free) in the Toulouse region for 7 years. He then was elected secretary general of the Federation of Evangelical Baptist Churches for 11 years.

Lhermenault said some words in the presence of his family, friends and Courtade Pascal, the head of the Interior Ministry Central Office for Religious Groups. He first thanked his parents who gave him a solid education, and also his wife who supports him in everything he undertakes. He finally confessed: “I owe everything to the Lord, life and service.”

THE NATIONAL ORDER OF MERIT

The National Order of Merit is awarded by the President of the French Republic. It was created in 1963 and is the second national Order after the Legion of Honor. Its purpose is to reward “distinguished merit”, “honoring individuals from all fields of activity.” The Order also aims to “reflect a dynamic society”, “set an example” and “recognise diversity.” The order has now 187,000 members. 57% of members are decorated in a civilian capacity.

This news first appeared on the website of Evangelical Focus.

Photo: Etienne Lhermenault receives the award. / CNEF