Jewish Religion Recognized in Ireland’s New Constitution

The Jewish religion is formally recognized in the new Free State constitution drawn up by President Eamon de Valera. The document recognizes Ireland as a Catholic nation, but guarantees religious freedom.

The section bearing on religion, contained in Article 44, follows:

“The State acknowledges that the homage of public worship is due to Almighty God. It shall hold His name in reverence and shall respect and honor religion.

“The State recognizes the special position of the Holy Catholic Apostolic and Roman Church as the guardian of the faith professed by the great majority of the citizens.

“The State also recognizes the Church of Ireland, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Religious Society of Friends in Ireland, as well as the Jewish congregations and the other religious denominations existing in Ireland at the date of the coming into operation of this Constitution.

“Freedom of conscience and the profession and practice of religion are, subject to public order and morality, guaranteed to every citizen.

“The State guarantees not to endow any religion and shall not impose any disabilities or make any discrimination on the ground of religious profession, belief or status.

“Legislation providing State aid for schools shall not discriminate between schools under the management of different religious denominations, nor be such as to affect prejudicially the right of any child to attend a school receiving public money without attending religious instruction at that school.

“Every religious denomination shall have the right to manage its own affairs; own, acquire and administer property, movable and immovable and maintain institutions for religious or charitable purposes.

“The property of any religious denomination or any educational institution shall not be diverted save for necessary works of public utility and on payment of compensation.”