Znaczenie zawarcia w rocie ślubowania niektórych funkcjonariuszy publicznych słów „Tak mi dopomóż Bóg” w prawie polskim i prawie kanonicznym
The significance of including the words “So help me God” in the oath of some public officials in Polish and canon law

Summary/Abstract: A vow is a ceremonial oath, by which a person taking the office pledges to abide by the social andnational values named therein. In most cases, an oath may be taken with the additional sentence “Sohelp me God”. It constitutes a specific part of the oath, as it is not obligatory, but refers to the sphereof religion, which in the modern states — including Poland — is separated from the sphere of state.The discussed words are one of the forms of expressing religious beliefs by public offi cials, servingto strengthen the state order with the values they represent. Of importance are regulations of the rightsof churches and other religious organizations. The example of canon law in the Catholic Churchproves that a reference to one’s own feelings and religious values does not result in the Church’s legalinterference in the performance of state tasks, as canon law emphasizes primarily the moral dimensionof the obligation to fulfi l the pledged obligations, while the criminal law consequences under canonlaw are borne only by an oath made before a church official and an oath the violation of which wouldcause general indignation.

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