Literal Translation
To put the church back in the middle of the village
Actual Meaning
To set the record straight
Etymology
We also say ‘garder l’église au milieu du village’. This expression has several meanings depending on the country. In France, particularly in Alsace, where it originated (Dos d’Kerich em Dorf bliet), it means to adhere to propriety and respect traditions. Another meaning is to keep your priorities in mind and not stray from your goals. Staying focused. Putting your ideas in order.
In Switzerland, when you put the church back in the middle of the village, you set the record straight or even dot the i’s and cross the t’s. In other words, you give all the details, including the most minute ones, to explain something very clearly to someone who does not understand or does not want to understand.
In Belgium, on the other hand, it means keeping a cool head, pacifying a situation and ensuring all parties keep calm, apparently.
Why the church? Because of the strong values and traditions it embodies.
Generally, the church is located in the centre of the village and the houses are built around it. So putting the church back in the village square is a symbol of a return to traditional values after they have been flouted.