clericalism

American  

[kler-i-kuh-liz-uhm] / ˈklɛr ɪ kəˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. clerical principles.

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

3. support of such power or influence.

---

clericalism British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of clericalism

First recorded in 1860–65; clerical + -ism

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

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

From Seattle Times

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.

From Seattle Times

“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.

From Seattle Times

Transparency and justice cannot coexist with the clericalism that has plagued our Church for centuries.

From Seattle Times