Mexican Constitution Article 130

The federal powers shall exercise the supervision required by law in

matters relating to religious worship and outward ecclesiastical forms. Other

authorities shall act as auxiliaries of the Federation. Congress cannot enact laws establishing or prohibiting any religion.

Marriage is a civil contract. This and other acts of a civil nature concerning

persons are within the exclusive competence

of civil officials and authorities, in the

manner prescribed by law, and shall have the force and validity defined by said

law.

A simple promise to tell the truth and to fulfill obligations that are contracted

is binding on the one who so promises, and in the event of failure to do so, he shall

be subject to the penalties that the law prescribes for this purpose.

The law does not recognize any personality in religious groups called

churches.

Ministers of denominations shall be considered as persons who practice a

profession and shall be directly subject to the laws enacted on such matters.

Only the legislatures of the States shall have the power to determine the

maximum number of ministers of denominations necessary for local needs.

To practice the ministry of any denomination in the United Mexican States it

is necessary to be a Mexican by birth.

Ministers of denominations may never, in a public or private meeting

constituting an assembly, or in acts of worship or religious propaganda, criticize the

fundamental laws of the country or the authorities of the Government, specifically

or generally. They shall not have an active or passive vote nor the right to form

associations for religious purposes.

Permission to dedicate new places of worship open to the public must be

obtained from the Secretariat of Government, with previous consent of the

government of the State. There must be in every church building a representative

who is responsible to the authorities for compliance with the laws on religious

worship in such building, and for the objects pertaining to the worship.

The representative of each church building, jointly with ten other residents

of the vicinity, shall inform the municipal authorities immediately who is the person

in charge of the church in question. Any change of ministry must be reported by the

departing minister in person, accompanied by the new incumbent and ten other

residents. The municipal authority, under penalty of removal from office and a fine

of up to one thousand pesos for each violation, shall see that this provision is

complied with; under the same penalty, he shall keep one registry book of church

buildings and another of the representatives in charge. The municipal authority

shall give notice to the Secretariat of Government, through the governor of the

State, of every permit to open a new church building to the public, or of any

changes among representatives in charge. Donations in the form of movable

objects shall be kept in the interior of church buildings.

No privilege shall be granted or confirmed, nor shall any other step be taken

which has for its purpose the validation in official courses of study, of courses

pursued in establishments devoted to the professional training of ministers of

religion. Any authority who violates this provision shall be criminally liable, and the

privilege or step referred to shall be void and shall thereby cause the voidance of

the professional degree for the attainment of which the violation of this provision

was made.

Periodical publications of a religious character, whether they be such

because of their program, title, or merely because of their general tendencies, may

not comment on national political matters or public information on acts of the

authorities of the country or of private persons directly related to the functioning of

public institutions .

The formation of any kind of political group, the name of which contains any

word or indication whatever that it is related to any religious denomination, is

strictly prohibited. Meetings of a political character may not be held in places of

worship.

A minister of any denomination may not himself or through an intermediary

inherit or receive any real property o

occupied by any association for religious

propaganda or for religious or charitable purposes. Ministers of denominations are

legally incapacitated as testamentary heirs of ministers of the same denomination

or of any private person who is not related to them within the fourth degree.

The acquisition by private parties of personal or real property owned by the

clergy or by religious organizations shall be governed by Article 27 of this Constitution. Trials for violation of the above provisions shall never be heard before a jury.

Summary:

Basically it said church and state were separated. Churches still have to obey the law. Also, the government cannot intervene in the internal affairs of any religious associations. Religious ministers cannot hold public offices; They have the right to vote but cannot be elected. Ministers cannot join together for political purposes, and cannot oppose laws of Nation or it's institution. political group with names or symbols relating to religions is prohibited, and politicians cannot hold meetings in churches or temples church ministers and their families cannot inherit a will from their followers. Law confers powers and duties on civil matters to federal, state, and local authorities. Religious leaders may never in public or private criticize the government, religious leaders may not comment on national political matters related to the functions of public institutions. Property owned by religious leaders shall be governed by Article 27. Furthermore, trials for any violations of Article 130 shall NEVER be heard. before a jury.
 
Why is it Important:
This article is important because it reduces the power of the church in Mexico.