ecclesiastical power
[/ɪˌklɛziˈæstɪkəl ˈpaʊər/]
noun phrasepl: ecclesiastical powers
poder eclesiástico
1. The authority and influence wielded by the Church or its officials in religious, moral, and sometimes temporal matters
The ecclesiastical power of the medieval Church extended beyond spiritual guidance into political affairs.
O poder eclesiástico da Igreja medieval se estendia além da orientação espiritual para assuntos políticos.
2. The jurisdictional and administrative authority of religious institutions and their clergy
The bishop exercised ecclesiastical power over all parishes in the diocese.
O bispo exercia poder eclesiástico sobre todas as paróquias da diocese.
3. The right and capacity of the Church to make and enforce decisions regarding doctrine, discipline, and religious practice
Ecclesiastical power was challenged during the Reformation as reformers questioned the Church's authority.
O poder eclesiástico foi desafiado durante a Reforma, enquanto os reformadores questionavam a autoridade da Igreja.
This term is particularly significant in discussions of medieval European history, the Reformation, and contemporary debates about the role of religious institutions in society. In Brazil, a predominantly Catholic country, the concept remains relevant in discussions of Church influence on social policy and education. In the USA, ecclesiastical power is often discussed in contrast to secular governance, reflecting the constitutional separation of church and state.
Related Idioms & Phrases
separation of church and state (relacionado ao poder eclesiástico)
the long arm of the Church (representing extensive ecclesiastical power)
temporal and spiritual power (distinguishing ecclesiastical from secular authority)
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →