The American Church in Paris, is an interdenominational and international Christian community whose mission is to bear witness by word and deed to the love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ, to provide a place of English language worship in the American Protestant tradition, and to engage in ministries and services that enrich the lives of residents and visitors in Paris.
The American Church is the first American church established on foreign soil. Begun in 1814, its official charter and first sanctuary were established in 1857. The present facilities on the quai d'Orsay date from 1929.
Today, the American Church today is an important part of life in Paris for thousands of people. Providing spiritual guidance, education, and a strong sense of community and belonging, the American Church serves a diverse congregation:
- 2,000 people per day use the Church and community center
- More than 35 Christian denominations are represented in the Church
- More than 40 countries are represented in the Church membership
- The Church is home to two bilingual elementary schools, a variety of “twelve step” recovery groups, aerobic classes, basketball leagues, a free concert series, and many more community-based services