Chapter Seven. Ephphata in Paris

Abstract

The branch of Ephphata established in Paris is known within the movement as Ephphata-Paris. Three years ago, a few members of Ephphata-Paris who resettled recently in London launched Ephphata-London with the blessing of Hebga. This chapter focuses on Ephphata-Paris because it is the oldest Western branch of the movement. It looks at the role of Charismatic Catholicism in lives of Ephphata members in Paris, it takes into account Watsons point in that by focusing on religion the author neither implies that it is the most important aspect of their lives as African migrants in Europe nor suggesting that it operates in isolation from other factors. The main question guiding the chapter is: why do some African migrants in Europe feel the need to join Charismatic groups or churches? And in the specific case of Ephphata, what role does this movement play in the lives of their members in Paris?.Keywords: African migrants; Catholicism; Charismatic; churches; Ephphata; groups; Meinrad Hebga; Paris; Watson