The Constitutional Principle: Separation of Church and State
Please note that we have excerpted only those sections dealing with religion
| Research and editing by Jim Allison |
RHODE ISLAND CONSTITUTION
1843
The colonial Charter of 1863 was in force as the organic law in Rhode Is: (save for the question of independence) until 1842. The charter provided for the public support of the Christian Religion.
Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution of 1842, established religious freedom.
Article XII, Section 1 declared: "The diffusion of knowledge, as well as of virtue, among the people being essential to the preservation of their rights and liberties, it shall be the general assembly to Promote public schools, and to adopt all means which they deem necessary and proper to secure to the people the advantages and opportunities of education.")