Occult religions and the cult of magic
For a long time isolated, the Channel Islands have often appeared inhospitable to the inhabitants of the continent. They thus became the place of worship of occult religions. And this also owes much to the regular invasions of the Vikings. In addition, the islands are dotted with a large number of megalithic monuments, menhirs and dolmens, which demonstrate the unusual presence of man in such remote areas. The local population has long attributed their presence to the work of fairies and lent them magical powers. Witchcraft and magic were more prevalent in the islands than in the UK or on the mainland. These pagan beliefs persisted in the archipelago at least until the beginning of the second millennium. And even today, many beliefs are still alive or at least form a large part of the collective imagination, such as superstition, myths, fairies, witches, etc.
Towards Christianity
From the5th century onwards, the islands were gradually Christianized by St. Helier in Jersey, St. Sampson in Guernsey, and St. Magloire and St. Mannelier in Sark. The monks then had to face up to the Norman threat. The Vikings invaded the islands, killing the monks and encouraging local pagan traditions. Yet the construction of churches and chapels was already well underway. The bishop of Coutances was appointed spiritual superior. Once again, the remoteness of the islands made them of little interest to the ecclesiastical authorities, and superstition was commonplace. Under Edward VI, the Reformation reached the islands at a late date, and was very successful. During the French Wars of Religion, Protestants fled to the archipelago. They spread Calvinism. Funerary chapels, churches, frescoes, sculptures and all other representations are destroyed or covered with white paint. What could be sold, would be for the benefit of the British Crown. Forced to change their colorful, noisy religion for an inflexible one, the inhabitants turned to magic from the end of the 16th century onwards. Until the 19th century, magical practices were commonplace and witchcraft trials no less numerous. Today, every parish in the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey has a church affiliated to the Anglican Church. There are also Catholic churches (which have become increasingly popular with the arrival of Portuguese and Polish settlers), Methodist temples and many other religious communities. Superstition is still alive and well. Every parish has its own bonesetter or magician, who is consulted alongside the family doctor.
