The Paris Commune 1871
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