Journey into the heart of the City of Lights to discover the first American church established on foreign and ultimate symbol of the United States in Europe. Affectionately known the world over as "ACP", the American Church in Paris is not only a melting pot like no other but has earned the appellation: "God's own United Nations". Experience true-life stories of people such as a refugee from Nigeria; an expatriate who feared ending up in a mental institution; and many more. There are multi-national couples, lonely students, residents of Paris, plus scores of visitors who found help, hope, and better lives through ACP. A Multi-faceted mission with many outreach programs, including on that serves lunch to the homeless and another that helps refugees seeking asylum, The American Church in Paris is also a major community center. It provides space and resources for an impressive variety of international community activities and groups. More than 2,000 people use the facilities each day. From among the 54 nations and 35 different denominations that make up the congregation of ACP, parishioners from all walks of life finally reveal what they have found in this large, beautiful sanctuary along the Seine river. If heaven is going to be populated by people from every nation and tribe and culture and language on the planet, then the American Church in Paris truly does off a glimpse of heaven. Yet, as the oldest American church on foreign soil is about to celebrate its 150th anniversary, its council is faced with serious challenges: the rise in the number of parishioners; increasing difficulties in finding funds for badly needed renovations and maintenance; not to mention recent rising tensions between the different ethnic communities. Will this highly symbolic landmark, so rich in history, be able to continue on and keep alive the best of American ideals and values?
Director : Eric Ellena