Edict of Saint-Germain
The
Edict of Saint-Germain was an
Edict of Toleration promulgated in 16th century France.
The edict of Saint-Germain was promulgated by the reigning
Catherine de Medici in January
1562. It was an instance of an Edict of Toleration which limited tolerance of Protestantism in her Roman Catholic realms, especially acting against the French
Huguenots.
It was among Catherine's first moves as Regent, after the death of
Francois II the previous month. Consistent with Catherine's maneuvering, it attempted to steer a middle course between Protestants and Catholics in order to strengthen royal dominion.
Without threatening the privileged position of the Catholic Church in France, the Edict recognized the existence of the Protestants and guaranteed freedom of conscience and
private worship. It forbade Huguenot worship within towns (where conflicts flared up too easily) but permitted Protestant synods and consistories.
Within a matter of weeks, the
Vassy massacre (March, 1562) opened the
first religious war, which in fact was a victory for the more intolerant
Guise policy and a defeat for the conciliations of Catherine.
