Clergy removed from office

pope

Romanian writer and political figure (1880–1967)

removal of a Catholic bishop, priest or deacon from the status of being a member of the clergy

thumb | right | Defrocking of Patriarch Nikon of Moscow Defrocking, unfrocking, degradation, or laicization of clergy is the removal of their rights to exercise the functions of the ordained ministry. It may be grounded on criminal convictions, disciplinary problems, or disagreements over doctrine or dogma; but may also be done at their request for personal reasons, such as running for civil office, taking over a family business, declining health or old age, desire to marry against the rules for clergy in a particular church, or an unresolved dispute. The form of the procedure varies according