église

Église is a French term commonly translated as "church" in English. It derives from the Latin ecclesia, which itself comes from the Greek ekklesia, meaning an assembly or gathering. In French, the word refers both to the Christian Church as an institution (written with a capital E when referring to the Church as an entity, L'Église) and to a church building used for worship (une église).

Across Christian traditions, the concept encompasses a range of organizations and practices. The Catholic Church is organized hierarchically, with the pope, bishops, and priests as central offices. Orthodox churches maintain episcopal succession and sacraments within national or regional patriarchates. Protestant denominations vary in governance, from episcopal to congregational systems, and some use "church" to designate a local congregation rather than a denomination.

Church buildings ordinarily include features such as a nave, chancel, altar, and often a tower or steeple, with the internal layout supporting liturgy and sacraments.

Historically, early Christian communities met in houses, and public church buildings emerged in Late Antiquity and throughout the Middle Ages. Architectural styles such as Romanesque and Gothic shaped the built expression of the Church in Europe, later diversified by Baroque, Neoclassical, and modern designs. Beyond worship, churches have offered education, charity, and social services, and have often played a significant role in culture and politics in many regions.

The study of the Church's doctrine, organization, and mission is ecclesiology, while ecumenism refers to efforts toward unity among Christian churches.