History of the Paris Commune

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Decree on the Separation of Church and State


Written: April 3, 1871.
Translated: from the original for marxists.org by Mitch Abidor.


THE PARIS COMMUNE:

Considering that the first of the principles of the French Republic is freedom;

Considering that freedom of conscience is the first among freedoms;

Considering that the budget of cults is contrary to this principle, since it is imposed on citizens against their own faith;

Considering that in fact the clergy was an accomplice in the crimes against freedom of the monarchy,

DECREES:

Art. 1 — The church is separated from the state.

Art. 2 — The budget of cults is suppressed.

Art. 3 — Goods called mainmorte, both movable and fixed, belonging to religious congregations are declared national properties.

Art. 4 — An inquest will immediately be held concerning these goods in order to establish their nature and to put them at the disposal of the nation.

The Paris Commune
April 3, 1871

History of the Paris Commune