Editing Normandy (section)

===Religion===
[[File:Rouen Cathedral as seen from Gros Horloge 140215 4.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Rouen Cathedral]]]]

Christian missionaries implanted [[monastic communities]] in the territory in the 5th and 6th centuries. Some of these missionaries came from across the [[English Channel|Channel]]. The influence of [[Celtic Christianity]] can still be found in the [[Cotentin]]. By the terms of the treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, Rollo, a Viking pagan, accepted Christianity and was baptised. The Duchy of Normandy was therefore formally a Christian state from its foundation. The cathedrals of Normandy have exerted influence down the centuries in matters of both faith and politics. [[Henry II of England|King Henry II]] of England did [[penance]] at the cathedral of [[Avranches Cathedral|Avranches]] on 21 May 1172 and was absolved from the censures incurred by the assassination of [[Thomas Becket]]. [[Mont Saint-Michel]] is a historic [[pilgrimage]] site.

Normandy does not have one generally agreed [[patron saint]], although this title has been ascribed to Saint [[Michael (archangel)|Michael]], and to [[Saint Ouen]]. Many saints have been revered in Normandy down the centuries, including:
* [[St. Aubert|Aubert]] who's remembered as the founder of [[Mont Saint-Michel]]
* [[Saint Marcouf|Marcouf]] and [[Laud of Coutances|Laud]] who are important saints in Normandy
* [[Helier]] and [[Samson of Dol]] who are evangelizers of the Channel Islands
* [[Thomas Becket]], an [[Anglo-Normans|Anglo-Norman]] whose parents were from Rouen, who was the object of a considerable following in mainland Normandy following his martyrdom
* [[Joan of Arc]] who was [[martyr]]ed in Rouen, and who is especially remembered in that city
* [[Thérèse de Lisieux]] whose birthplace in [[Alençon]] and later home in Lisieux are a focus for religious pilgrims.
* [[Germanus of Normandy]]

Since the [[1905 French law on the Separation of the Churches and the State]], there is no established church in mainland Normandy. In the [[Channel Islands]], the [[Church of England]] is the [[established church]].