Delaware Constitution (1897) current:
<PREAMBLE. Through Divine goodness, all men have by nature the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences, of enjoying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring and protecting reputation and property, and in general of obtaining objects suitable to their condition, without injury by one to another; and as these rights are essential to their welfare, for due exercise thereof, power is inherent in them; and therefore all just authority in the institutions of political society is derived from the people, and established with their consent, to advance their happiness; and they may for this end, as circumstances require, from time to time, alter their Constitution of government.
BILL OF RIGHTS, ARTICLE I, SECTION 1. Although it is the duty of all men frequently to assemble together for the public worship of Almighty God; and piety and morality, on which the prosperity of communities depends, are hereby promoted; yet no man shall or ought to be compelled to attend any religious worship, to contribute to the erection or support of any place of worship, or to the maintenance of any Ministry, against his own free will and consent; and no power shall or ought to be vested in or assumed by any magistrate that shall in any case interfere with, or in any manner control the rights of conscience, in the free exercise of religious worship, nor a preference given by law to any religious societies, denominations, or modes of worship.
ARTICLE 1, SECTION 2. No religious test shall be required as a qualification to any office, or public trust, under this State...
ARTICLE 14, SECTION 1. Members of the General Assembly and all public officers executive and judicial...shall...subscribe the following oath or affirmation: "I, do proudly swear ( or affirm) to carry out the responsibilities of the office of to the best of my ability, freely acknowledging that the powers of this office flow from the people I am privileged to represent. I further swear (or affirm) always to place the public interest above any special or personal interests, and to respect the right of future generations to share the rich historic and natural heritage of Delaware. In doing so I will always uphold and defend the Constitutions of my Country and my State, So Help Me God." No other oath, declaration or test shall be required as a qualification for any office of public trust.> 1897DE001
--
American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
1897DE001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Delaware Constitution, 1897, current.