The Civil Constitution of the Clergy was a significant reform during the French Revolution, enacted on July 12, 1790. This law aimed to reorganize the Roman Catholic Church in France, and it introduced revolutionary changes to the relationship between the church and the state.
Notably, the Civil Constitution required bishops and priests to be elected by the people, making them more accountable to the populace rather than to the Vatican. Additionally, clergy salaries were paid by the state, effectively making them state employees.
This measure aroused great controversy and created a schism within French society. Many clergy members and devout Catholics opposed the law, leading to widespread unrest and contributing to the growing tensions of the Revolution.
