Article L2252-4 of the French General Code of Local Authorities
A commune may guarantee loans contracted to finance the construction, by religious associations or, in the départements of Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin and Moselle, by public religious establishments or by associations registered under local law for religious purposes, of buildings meeting collective needs of a religious nature. The municipality informs the State representative in the department of its intention to grant such a guarantee at least three months before it is granted.