Theophilanthropy was founded by Chemin Dupontès with a goal to maintain was he described as "a rational form of catholicism". Ceremonies are performed at Temple de la cité (previously Notre-Dame), Temple du Contrat Social (previously Saint-Eustache), Temple de la Fidèlité (previously Saint-Gervais) and Temple de l'Harmonie (previously Saint-Sulpice). Although it proved popular with part of the urban population, Theophilanthropy never really managed to expand into the rural areas.