Edict of Saint-Germain

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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.

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