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The Cercle Ernest Renan is an independent French association founded in 1949 by Prosper Alfaric. It provides a space for reflection, dialogue and engagement, bringing together people interested in humanism and the study of religion. The Cercle does not promote any religion or philosophy, and rejects dogmatism. Instead, it examines religious phenomena from a secular perspective, without metaphysical assumptions, and emphasizes freedom of thought and intellectual independence.

Its activities include public talks, discussions and meetings with scholars, theologians, authors and other speakers. Topics range across Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, religious traditions, spirituality, atheism, secularism and philosophy. The association also publishes conference summaries, articles, archives and periodic journals, making its work accessible through its website. Recent events have explored figures such as Albert Schweitzer and questions concerning religious belief and institutional change. Through these programmes and publications, the Cercle Ernest Renan encourages open-minded inquiry into religion, ideas and their place in human life.