How did Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand support the Civil Constitution of the Clergy?

Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand played a pivotal role in the adoption and implementation of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, which reorganized the French Church on a democratic basis without papal approval.1

His support for the measure was demonstrated through several key actions:

• Legislative Advocacy: In July 1790, Talleyrand successfully led the effort to have the Civil Constitution adopted by the National Assembly.1
• Public Commitment: He was the first bishop to take the required oath of loyalty to the new constitution.1
• Ecclesiastical Implementation: He consecrated the first bishops who were elected according to the new procedures established by the constitution.1

These actions solidified his reputation as the "bishop of the Revolution," despite his earlier career as a defender of church privileges. His support for the reorganization was consistent with his broader revolutionary stance at the time, which included urging the nationalization of church property to address state debts.1