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What Is ‘Clericalism’?

August 7, 2023 by sd

“Clericalism” refers to an undue influence or emphasis on the authority of the clergy in matters of governance or in the life of a religious institution. It can manifest in various ways:

  1. Political Clericalism: This is when the clergy exercises significant political power or influence, often to the detriment of secular governance. Historically, in various countries, the church and state were closely intertwined, and clerics had substantial roles in governing the state.
  2. Internal Religious Clericalism: Within a religious institution or community, clericalism might manifest as an overemphasis on the importance or authority of the clergy to the exclusion or minimization of the laity’s role. Clerics might be seen as having a uniquely privileged position in religious matters, making the experiences or insights of laypeople seem secondary or less valuable.
  3. Attitudinal Clericalism: This form of clericalism is subtler and more about attitude than direct governance. It arises when clergy view themselves as inherently superior to or more enlightened than the laity, leading to potential condescension or a lack of genuine dialogue.

Clericalism, particularly in the negative senses mentioned above, has been criticized for fostering environments where abuse can be hidden or overlooked, for stifling reforms, or for creating barriers between clergy and the communities they serve. In recent years, for example, some criticisms within the Catholic Church have highlighted clericalism as a factor contributing to the sexual abuse crisis and its mishandling.

However, it’s worth noting that the term “clericalism” can be used in different contexts and might mean different things depending on the religious tradition or historical period in question.

 

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