What did the Civil Constitution of the Clergy do?

The Civil Constitution of the Clergy made the Catholic Church in France immediately subordinate to the French government during the French Revolution (1789-1799).

When was the Civil Constitution of the Clergy adopted?

The Civil Constitution of the Clergy was adopted on 12 July 1790.

What was the result of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy?

The Civil Constitution of the Clergy alienated the Catholic Church from the French Revolution, and was the first major divisive moment amongst revolutionaries. It also began the violent program of de-Christianization during the French Revolution.

Civil Constitution of the Clergy

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Definition

The Civil Constitution of the Clergy was a law passed in July 1790 during the French Revolution (1789-1799), which caused the immediate subordination of the Catholic Church in France to the French government. An attempt to modernize the Church and realign it with revolutionary values, the law proved highly divisive, turning many Catholics and clerics against the Revolution.

More about: Civil Constitution of the Clergy

Timeline

13 Feb 1790
The National Assembly abolishes monastic vows in France.
12 Jul 1790
The Civil Constitution of the Clergy is passed, making the French Catholic Church subordinate to the French government.