France Abolishes Church-State Concordat
By L. A. S.
A BILL for the abolition of the concordat, under which there has been a close union in France between church (the Roman Catholic Church) and state during the last century, is now before the French Chamber of Deputies, and all appearances indicate that it will be quickly passed without material modification of its present form. The bill provides, among other things, that no church shall be recognized or supported by the state, and that the exercise of all forms of religious worship is free, subject to the restrictions necessary for the interests of public order. It prohibits the holding of political meetings in places used for religious service. It forbids religious coercion in any form, imposing a fine or imprisonment or both upon any one who by personal violence or menace, or threat of loss of employment, or exposure to public contempt, shall attempt to force an individual either to exercise or abstain from any act of worship, or to contribute or abstain from contributing to the expenses of religion. This provision also specifically applies to the celebration of religious festivities, the observance of certain days of repose, the opening or closing of shops and factories, or cessation or continuance of work. Religious associations are not to receive in any form whatsoever subventions from the state departments or communes. A pension is provided, however, for ministers of the churches hitherto supported by the state. Assemblies for religious worship must be authorized by the state. All church property arising from donations by the state is to revert to the state, and all other church property is to go to the legal representatives of the disestablished sects, at the expiration of one year from the time the concordat ceases to exist. L. A. S.