Answer:
C. Statehood would upset the balance between slave and free states in Congress.
Explanation:
Catholics were in the minority in Maryland<span>, and Lord Baltimore wanted to make sure that their rights were protected. He established </span>Maryland as a colony<span> where people of all Christian religions could </span>practice<span> their faith, grow wealthy, vote, and hold public office.
source : </span><span>MD History Q&A | Maryland Historical Society</span>