Deconsecrate

To deconsecrate means to remove the sacredness or religious character from something. It involves the act of rendering a place, object, or person no longer holy or dedicated to religious use. This can be achieved through a formal ceremony or through the cessation of the practices that defined its sacredness. The process often includes the removal of religious symbols, the interruption of traditional rituals, and the transformation of the space or object into secular use. This act signifies a shift in purpose and often reflects changes in religious belief or societal values.

Deconsecrate meaning with examples

• Following the scandal, church officials decided to deconsecrate the chapel where the alleged abuse occurred. This was to acknowledge the violation of the space's sanctity and to begin a process of healing and reconciliation for the parishioners involved, and to start over.
• After the new legislation, the old temple of the pagan gods was deconsecrated and converted into a public library to reflect the changing values of the new regime, and to keep the land from ruin. This also marked a shift in what would be seen as sacred.
• The archaeologist was careful during their dig, taking care to not damage any artifacts, fearing the potential to inadvertently deconsecrate the sacred burial ground. Respect was a key part of the process and one which was taken very seriously by all involved.
• When the cathedral was damaged by the earthquake, the decision was made to deconsecrate it until repairs could be completed, recognizing that the building was no longer suitable for the celebration of sacraments, which could be performed elsewhere.
• The museum curator decided to deconsecrate the religious statue before it was put on display, as its original religious context was unknown and it was being showcased for its artistic merit and historical value to the museum's visitors, many of whom are not religious.