CONSTITUTION. 21
Art. 36. That as it is the duty of every man to worship
God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to Him, all
persons are equally entitled to protection in their religious
liberty; wherefore, no person ought, by any law to be molest-
ed in his person or estate, on account of his religious persua-
sion or profession, or for his religious practice, unless, under
the color of religion, he shall disturb the good order, peace
or safety of the. State, or shall infringe the laws of morality,
or injure others in their natural, civil or religious rights; nor
ought any person to be compelled to frequent, or maintain,
or contribute, unless on contract, to maintain any place of |
Religions
liberty. |
worship or any ministry; nor shall any person, otherwise
competent, be deemed incompetent as a witness, or juror, on
account of his religious belief; provided, he believes in the
existence of God, and that under His dispensation such per-
son will be held morally accountable for his acts, and be re-
warded or punished therefor in this world or the world to
come.
Judefind vs. State, 78 Md., 510.
Art. 37. That no religious test ought ever to be required |
Witnesses. |
as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State,
other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God; nor
shall the Legislature prescribe any other oath of office than
the oath prescribed by this Constitution.
Davidson vs. Brice, 91 Md., 688.
Art. 38. That every gift, sale or devise of land to any
Minister, Public Teacher or Preacher of the Gospel, as such, |
Oath of office. |
or to any Religious Sect, Order or Denomination, or to, or
for the support, use or benefit of, or in trust for, any Min-
ister, Public Teacher or Preacher of the Gospel, as such, or
any Religious Sect, Order or Denomination; any every gift
or sale of goods, or chattels, to go in succession, or to take
place after the death of the Seller or Donor, to or for such
support, use or benefit; and also every devise of goods or
chattels to or for the support, use or benefit of any Minister,
Public Teacher or Preacher of the Gospel, as such, or any
Religious Sect, Order or Denomination, without the prior or
subsequent sanction of the Legislature, shall be void; except
always, any sale, gift, lease or devise of any quantity of land,
not exceeding five acres, for a church, meeting-house, or other
house of worship, or parsonage, or for a burying-ground, which
shall be improved, enjoyed or used only for such purpose; or
such sale, gift, lease or devise shall be void.
Vansant vs. Roberts, Admr., 3 Md., 119. Grove vs. Trustees of the
Disciples, 33 Md., 451. England, Ex'r, vs. Vestry of P. George's Par.,
53 Md., 466. Church Extension Society vs. Smith, 56 Md., 362. Hal-
sey vs. Prot. Epis. Church, 75 Md., 275. Kelso vs. Stigar, 75 Md„ 376.
Rogers vs. Sisters of Charity, 97 Md., 550. |
Devises and
grants to
ministers
and religious
bodies, and
for burying
grounds. |
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