Enjoyment of civil and constitutional rights and entry into public office are independent of religious faith.
No person is bound to publish his religious convictions. The public authorities may not inquire into any person's membership of a religious body except where rights and duties or a legally instituted statistical census are involved.
No person may be forced to take part in any religious act or ceremony or to be present at any religious service or to adopt any religious form of oath.
Article 137.[39]
There is no State Church.
Freedom of association in religious bodies is guaranteed. No limits shall be imposed on the formation of religious associations within the Realm.
Every religious association shall order and administer its own affairs independently, subject to general legislative limitations. Such associations shall appoint to their offices without co-operation of the State or the local authorities.
Religious associations acquire a juridic personality according to the general regulations in the Civil Code.
Religious associations retain the status of public corporations if they have previously enjoyed it. Other religious associations may obtain it, on demand, should their constitution and their membership guarantee their permanent character. Should several such public corporate bodies join to form one federation, such federation is itself a public corporate body.
Religious associations which are public corporate bodies may tax their members on the basis of the rate assessments and subject to Land legislation.