Laicize

To laicize means to remove from ecclesiastical or religious control or influence and bring under secular or lay control. This often involves the transfer of ownership, functions, or privileges previously held by religious institutions to civil authorities or the general public. The process frequently applies to institutions, properties, or practices, such as schools, hospitals, or religious orders, aiming to reduce religious dominance and promote a more secular society. It encompasses the act of making something secular and thus independent of religious authority. The goal of laicization is often to promote equality, neutrality, and separation of church and state.

Laicize meaning with examples

• The government decided to laicize several church-run schools, transferring their management and funding to the state to ensure equal educational opportunities for all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation. The move sparked heated debate, with religious leaders arguing it undermined their ability to provide faith-based education. The resulting curriculum was secularised.
• Following the revolution, the new regime sought to laicize the country's extensive land holdings owned by the church. The redistribution of these lands aimed to weaken the church's economic power and give more control to farmers and co-operatives, thereby fostering social justice. This policy led to religious unrest and a strong push to privatise.
• In order to improve public health, the city council chose to laicize the hospital formerly run by a religious order. This meant the hospital would no longer be subject to religious doctrines and practices in its patient care, enabling the provision of broader healthcare based on scientific evidence. Many were worried the standard would decrease.
• A historian noted how the reforms in the 18th century sought to laicize the judicial system. The effort involved replacing ecclesiastical courts with secular ones, allowing a fairer application of laws to all members of society, regardless of their religion. The removal of biased judging allowed for improved governance.
• The cultural organization proposed to laicize certain religious festivals, removing the specific religious observances while retaining the cultural celebration, transforming it into a broader, inclusive public event available to the wider secular population. This encouraged wider attendance and greater participation.