DECLARATION OF EMANCIPATION OF 17th FEBRUARY, 1848

CARLO ALBERTO
by the grace of God
King of Sardinia, Cyprus and Jerusalem
Duke of Savoy, Genoa etc.
Prince of Piedmont,etc.

Taking into consideration the loyalty and good sentiments of the Waldensian people, our royal predecessors have, of their own accord, and by successive measures, in part abrogated and mitigated the laws which anciently limited their civil and political rights; and We,following the same course, have also granted them gradual extension of rights. The reasons of the ancient restrictions having now ceased and the way now being open for the system gradually adopted in their favour, We have, of Our own free will and accord, resolved to make the Waldensians partakers of every advantage compatible with the general principles of Our government. We,therefore, by these presents, of Our certain knowledge and Royal authority,and by the advice of Our council, have ordained and do ordain as follows:
The Waldensians are admitted to the enjoyment of all the civil and political rights of Our other subjects, and may freely attend Our schools,both within and without the university, and obtain academic degrees.
No change, however, is made as to the exercise of their worship and their own schools.
Turin, the seventeenth of February,the year of our Lord eighteen forty eight and the eighteenth Year of Our Reign.