Definition

Noun: * An advocate of clericalism: A person who supports or promotes clericalism, which is the belief that religious authorities (the clergy) should have significant influence or control over political and social affairs.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The 19th-century political conflict was often between clericalists, who wanted the Church to guide the state, and secularists, who sought a complete separation.
  • He was labeled a clericalist for his public campaigns to have religious doctrine taught as law.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical and political analysis, particularly when discussing the relationship between church and state.
• It typically carries a critical or pejorative connotation when used by opponents of clerical influence in government.

Variants and Related Words

• Clericalism (n): The policy or practice, especially within a political context, of granting or supporting a significant role for the clergy or a religious institution in secular matters.
  • The new constitution was designed to prevent a return to clericalism.

Synonyms

• Theocrat: A person who advocates a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.
• Ultramontanist (historical/context-specific): A supporter of supreme papal authority in matters of faith and discipline.

Antonyms

• Secularist: A person who advocates the separation of religion from political, social, and educational institutions.
• Anticlerical: A person opposed to the influence and activities of the clergy in secular public affairs.

Noun

1. one who advocates clericalism