ABSTRACT
The uncertainty surrounding the possible similarities between the traditional understandings of the public/private distinction. Public space would lead people to recall that the criteria for defining the latter are functional, not organic: regardless of the type of entity which owns the place, what matters is that it is used collectively. This chapter shows from this perspective, all places of worship may fall within public space from the moment when worship takes on, by definition, a collective dimension. It examines the issue of freedom of worship that is steering the reconciliation of places of worship with the public/private distinction in French law. The chapter explores the access to public space turns out to be a largely ineffective way of having a building of worship, as a facility for exercising freedom of worship: It also explores the possibility for religious groups and their members to have access to a place of worship has been reinforced, regardless of access to public space.
