Today's session at the Congress, presided by Speaker *Stanisław Małachowski*, was notably resonant with the motions concerning the Union's foundational laws extracted from ancient statutes. *Michał Zabiełło*, the Representative from Latvia, resumed the discussion initiated by his colleague from Sandomierz with laudable zeal the day before. Before delving further into debates, Secretary *Jan Łuszczewski* read out notable proposals including a tribute to the efforts of *Reytan* and penalties spelled out for formerly accused *Adam Poninski*, the Polish-Ukrainian Secretary of the Treasury.

Echoing the righteousness of compensation for *Mr. Turicki* for his expenses during the delegation, *Paweł Skorzewski*, Representative from Poznań, asserted that his commitment to the public good ought to be rewarded conditionally, insisting he continues his prosecution with all Poninski's associates for the affair to be just.

The debate took a sharp turn towards religious matters, with a heated discussion on ensuring the Roman Catholic faith remains the dominant religion in the Union, and subsequently imposing penalties for conversion to other faiths. The contentious proposition read by Secretary *Jan Łuszczewski* was vigorously defended and contested by several Representatives, igniting a lively exchange over the implications of such stringent religious laws.

The Secretary unveiled a contentious clause criminalizing the departure from the Roman Catholic faith, causing a stir among the Representatives. *Mateusz Butrymowicz* from Pinsk pushed for inclusivity, emphasizing the nation's dual faiths, while *Julian Niemcewicz* from Latvia ardently refuted any past transgressions, advocating a future of propriety.

Outlining the progressive approach, *Ignacy Zakrzewski* of Poznań argued against extreme penal measures for apostasy which could inadvertently play into Moscow's hands. Contributors like *Antoni Suchodolski* from Smolensk rallied for stern punishments against clergy who misled the populace, revealing the deep divides in religious policy-making.

The necessity for moderate penalties aligned with human decency emerged as a consistent theme, with *Ksiądz Kasper Cieciszowski*, the Latvian Senator and Bishop of Kyiv, insisting on gentler legislative approaches to such religious offenses that would not lead to rigorous persecution.

During an impassioned plea from Lithuanian-Belarusian Representative *Michał Zaleski*, a provocative question hung in the air, stirring the assembly: Does the Union still desire a monarchy?

As the debates unfolded, the President rose from his throne to express his stance, appreciating the prudence of Representatives like *Ignacy Zakrzewski* while contesting the notion of severe penalties for apostasy. President's endorsement of lenient and conciliatory measures resonated with the congregated Representatives as they aspired for a peaceful coexistence among various religious communities within the Union.

The ensuing dialogue was marked by attempts to integrate a spirit of religious tolerance and acknowledgment of faith diversity within the Union. Suggestions for penalizing excluded sects were rebuked by the President himself, who underlined the inherent danger in detailing such matters within foundational laws.

As the day's arguments spanned from safeguarding religious unity to contemplating territorial integrity and national sovereignty, the Congress was entangled with the thorny issues of tolerance, governance, and the immutable principles that should define the Union's constitution.

With no consensus reached on several contentious articles, the session was adjourned until next Monday, signifying an ongoing struggle to reconcile starkly contrasting views on the Union's united future.

Topics: Cardinal Laws Project; Gratitude to Tadeusz Reytan; Punishment for Adam Poniński; Nobilitation of Franciszek Bars and Tomasz Czech; Catholic Religion as the State Religion; Religious Freedom; Unity of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth; Protection Against Religious Persecutions; Territorial Indivisibility of the Republic; Provisions on the Alienation of Part of the State;