French Romani in France

The French Romani have only been reported in France
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

In their homeland of India, they were originally called Dom, meaning man. Later, Dom developed into Rom. Today, they prefer to be called Romani in Europe; but in the Middle East and North Africa, many still refer to themselves as 'Dom' or 'Domi'. Here, the term 'Dom' will be used for this people group found in the Middle East, and 'Romani' will be used as a general, more recognizable designation for the larger people group. There are many fascinating folk tales about their origins that are still passed down from generation to generation.

Originally coming from India, the Romani are now scattered throughout the world. Little is known today about the lives of the 2 to 3 million Dom who live in European countries. This is largely due to the closed communities they maintain. Too often Dom people hide their identity on purpose from government workers. They do this to protect themselves, but it also keeps them marginalized wherever they live.

Today, communities of Romani are located in the Middle East, the Americas and Europe. For example, there are French speaking Romani in France.


What Are Their Lives Like?

A large number of the Romani in France are from Romania and Bulgaria. They came after communism crumbled. They often live in camps that get torn down by the French authorities. They have trouble getting education for their children or work. Many scrounge through garbage to find scrap metal to sell. Distrust of the Romani in France makes it even harder for them to find jobs. For example, there is a persistent rumor that the Romani kidnap and sell French children.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Romani people tend to adopt the dominant religion of their host country, so many Romani people in France would consider themselves Catholic. Romani people usually consider religion a personal matter, and they are hesitant to talk about it with anyone, especially outsiders. Superstition and "the good elements" of many religious systems make up the nature of their beliefs. Spiritism is dominant in their thinking as to why things happen in the world. They strongly fear evil spirits and curses. Romani fortunetellers offer to make clients a potion that will ward off curses.


What Are Their Needs?

In almost all of the countries they live in, their rudimentary command of the local language and limited use of written documents have contributed to their political powerlessness. Some who have settled are in transition, as they seek to become a part of the social systems around them. In an effort to fit in, they may abandon the traditional clothing, tattooing, dancing and fortune telling that are part of the Romani lifestyle. They may even deny their ethnic identity.

Regardless of their efforts to assimilate into the mainstream society, the Romani rarely have official status or citizenship in their country of residence. Their efforts to remain anonymous often leaves them without an official birth certificate or any other essential ID. The concept of owning land is not inherent to the nomadic Romani world view, and they find it difficult to adjust to such an outlook. Few families own the plots of land on which they locate their settlements or camps. Therefore, they are often subjected to forced relocation.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to direct Romani leaders to lead their people into ways of life that benefit all people concerned.

Pray for Romani people to understand the supremacy of Christ, who is far above any "good" elements of existing religious systems.

Pray for the Lord to thrust out Christ’s ambassadors who can earn their trust and lead them to the cross.

Pray that soon Romani disciples will make more disciples.

Pray for the Lord to use nomadic Romani people as preachers of the Word of God and disciplers.


Scripture Prayers for the Romani, French in France.


References

Middle East Resources

https://theconversation.com/why-are-roma-people-being-attacked-in-france-115030

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-25419423

https://www.dailysabah.com/europe/2019/03/28/roma-in-france-face-growing-hatred-violence-after-kidnap


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Romani, French
People Name in Country Romani, French
Natural Name French Romani
Pronunciation ROH-muh-nee
Alternate Names Gypsy
Population this Country 167,000
Population all Countries 167,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 3
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
People ID 11236
ROP3 Code 103062
ROP25 Code 307029
ROP25 Name Romani
Country France
Region Europe, Western
Continent Europe
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Country France
Region Europe, Western
Continent Europe
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked

No people group map currently available. Use the above button to submit a map.



Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 1.00 %)
60.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
40.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language French (167,000 speakers)
Language Code fra   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language French (167,000 speakers)
Language Code fra   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking French

Primary Language:  French

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1483-1989)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1474-1990)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1478-2020)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings DAVAR Partners recording, complete Bible DAVAR Partners International
Audio Recordings Oral Bible stories One Story
Audio Recordings Oral Bible stories Story Runners
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus film: view in French Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rivka video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video The Hope Video Mars Hill Media
Film / Video Walking with Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
Photo Source Larry Jackobsen - Flickr  Creative Commons 
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



Joshua Project logo    Joshua Project    Copyright © 2024