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.
Associations whose aim is to promote the cult of a common view of life shall be on a par with religious associations.
The Land Legislatures shall be responsible for any further regulation of the application of these principles.
The Land Legislatures shall discharge any liabilities due to religious bodies in virtue of a law, contract, or deed. The Realm shall lay down general principles on this matter.
The property of religious bodies and religious associations shall be guaranteed, as also their rights in respect of their institutions, foundations, and other funds devoted to worship, education, and social welfare.[40]
Sundays and feast days recognised by the State are maintained as holidays and days of spiritual refreshment.
Men on military service must be granted sufficient free time to fulfil their religious duties.
In so far as a need of religious services and of religious ministration makes itself felt in the army, in hospitals, prisons, or other public institutions, admission shall be accorded to religious associations, but in this there shall be no compulsion.
Art, knowledge, and their instruction are free. The State guarantees to protect them and co-operates to promote them.
The education of youth is provided for in public institutions established by the Realm, the Lands, and Local Authorities in conjunction.
The training of teachers shall be uniformly regulated for the whole Realm on the general lines laid down for higher education.