Little known offensive facts: you must attest to being Christian to hold office in Delaware

I came across a letter to the editor of the Bucks County (PA) Courier Times today in which a reader not only expressed her great relief that the founding fathers were "men of G-d" but gleefully pointed out a little known fact that all Delaware state officer holders must profess faith in Jesus and their status as Christians in accordance to the Delaware state constitution.

Art. 22. Every person who shall be chosen a member of either house, or appointed to any office or place of trust, before taking his seat, or entering upon the execution of his office, shall take the following oath, or affirmation, if conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath, to wit:

"I, A B, will bear true allegiance to the Delaware State, submit to its constitution and laws, and do no act wittingly whereby the freedom thereof may be prejudiced."

And also make and subscribe the following declaration, to wit:

"I, A B, do profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one God, blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the holy scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by divine inspiration."

And all officers shall also take an oath of office.

I'd be very curious to know if this article has ever been repealed or, if not, if any non-Christian has ever held state office. It's obvious that anyone who did not take the oath or any non Christian who lied in taking the oath should be removed from office and/or forfeit any benefits associated with holding office (the state should not have to endure any marranos).

I don't know why I'm surprised that this is on the books (or that people would proud enough to boast about it) afterall, not too long ago, the southern part of the state felt no shame in running those pesky christkillers out of town. . .


tags: fundamentalism intolerance christianity religious freedom Delaware politics conservatism religion government

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