Prelacy: meaning, definitions and examples

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prelacy

[ˈprɛləsi ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

church authority

Prelacy refers to a system of church government led by bishops or prelates. In this structure, authority is concentrated in the hands of a few high-ranking clergy who oversee the spiritual and administrative matters of their church. The term is often associated with certain religious denominations that emphasize hierarchical leadership. Prelacy can play a significant role in defining the relationship between the clergy and the laity, impacting doctrines and practices within the church.

Synonyms

ecclesiastical authority, episcopacy, hierarchy.

Examples of usage

The prelacy of the church influenced its decisions.
In his sermon, he criticized the excesses of the prelacy.
The prelacy was established to maintain order within the faith.
Many congregants felt disconnected from the prelacy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'praelatus', meaning 'one who is placed above,' reflecting the hierarchy in church leadership.
It first appeared in English during the 15th century, showing the longstanding influence of church structures in society.

Religious Structure

In several Christian denominations, prelacy determines how authority is shared among bishops and other clergy.
Some traditions, like Catholicism, have distinct roles for cardinals and archbishops, illustrating a layered leadership system.

Historical Significance

The rise of prelacy was significant during the Middle Ages when the church became a powerful political entity.
Certain reforms, such as those from the Protestant Reformation, challenged the traditional structures of prelacy, leading to new forms of church governance.

Cultural Impact

Prelacy has influenced how communities view authority and leadership, often associating it with wisdom and trustworthiness.
In literature and art, scenes depicting church hierarchy often emphasize the opulence associated with high-ranking church officials.

Philosophical Perspectives

The concept of prelacy raises questions about power dynamics within religious institutions and the balance between authority and individual faith.
Debates around prelacy often hinge on whether centralized authority enhances or diminishes spiritual engagement among congregants.

Translations

Translations of the word "prelacy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prelazia

🇮🇳 प्रीलैसी

🇩🇪 Prälatur

🇮🇩 prelasi

🇺🇦 прелатура

🇵🇱 prelatura

🇯🇵 プレラシー

🇫🇷 prélat

🇪🇸 prelatura

🇹🇷 prelatur

🇰🇷 프렐라시

🇸🇦 بريلاتية

🇨🇿 prelatura

🇸🇰 prelát

🇨🇳 主教职位

🇸🇮 prelatura

🇮🇸 prelatur

🇰🇿 прелатура

🇬🇪 პრელატურა

🇦🇿 prelatur

🇲🇽 prelatura