clericalism

[kler-i-kuh-liz-uhm]

noun

1. clerical principles.

2. clerical power or influence in government, politics, etc. (laicism ).

3. support of such power or influence.

clericalism

/ ˈklɛrɪkəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a policy of upholding the power of the clergy

2. the power of the clergy esp when excessively strong

Other Word Forms

• clericalist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clericalism¹

First recorded in 1860–65; clerical + -ism

Example Sentences

He once used an unexpectedly shocking simile to denounce what he termed "hypocritical clericalism".

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Women in the church expressed concern over “clericalism, chauvinism and an inappropriate use of authority,” the report said.

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“I want to get rid of clericalism, the mundane, this closing ourselves off within ourselves, in our parishes, schools or structures.”

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It suggested that the church must reevaluate the way authority is exercised by the hierarchy, suggesting structural, canonical and institutional reforms to eradicate the “clericalism,” or privilege that is afforded to clergy.

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“To many in the church it is symbolic of deeper issues of clericalism and separation from the faithful,” retired King County Superior Court judge and Heal Our Church steering committee founder Terrence Carroll said.

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