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ANTICLERICALISM

A popular name for a variety of modern movements, especially in Catholic cultures such as France, Italy, and Spain. Its prominent features are opposition to any doctrinal form of Christianity, removal of all privileges of the clergy and religious, and a total separation of the Church from any influence on the public life of the citizens.

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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