Colbert and Debertier Tested by the Revolution

Bernard Fixes presents the reactions of two priests from Rouergue at the turn of the year 1792. Colbert had left full of hope to participate in the Estates-General after having been elected as a representative of the clergy of Rouergue. His attitude was to change when the Civil Constitution of the Clergy and the obligation to take an oath were implemented, even if we do not know exactly how it evolved from the end of 1789 to the spring of 1792. Colbert was soon to adopt a hard line, as can be seen from his letters to the priests of his diocese. Bernard Fixes explains the context in Rouergat and establishes the position of the priests who were faced with an agonising choice by the Constituent. It is very likely that the position of their bishop influenced their decisions. The massive refusal of the priests, which had far-reaching consequences, illustrated the divorce between the Church and the Revolution.