ecclesiastical authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ecclesiastical authority" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when referring to the power or control held by a religious institution or its leaders, such as a church, bishop, or pope. Example: The decisions made by ecclesiastical authorities have a significant impact on the practices and beliefs of the church's followers.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now this was not an official ecclesiastical authority.

Yale University

Intended for the common man, it became the instrument of opposition to ecclesiastical authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Heresy, a theological doctrine or system rejected as false by ecclesiastical authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sound witnesses are those who show "habitual docility towards ecclesiastical authority".

The Guardian - Opinion

His actual official ecclesiastical authority as bishop was only in Antioch and its environs.

Yale University

More than anything, that may show that Mahony's influence, like his ecclesiastical authority, is undiminished.

The Washington Post

Edgar Bauer, Bruno's younger brother, advocated even more active opposition to political and ecclesiastical authority.

Britannica

The works appearing on the Index are only those that ecclesiastical authority was asked to act upon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In modern times, however, many episcopi vagantes have appeared who are outside the control of any ecclesiastical authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In 1972, ecclesiastical authorities initiated demolition of the choir area without authorization from the Federal government, but were stopped.

Wikipedia

"They have shown rebelliousness to the ecclesiastical authorities, disobedience.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In historical or theological contexts, "ecclesiastical authority" can effectively describe the evolution, limitations, or challenges to religious power structures.

Common error

Avoid using "ecclesiastical authority" when referring to individual spiritual experiences or beliefs. This phrase denotes institutional power, not personal faith.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ecclesiastical authority" functions primarily as a noun phrase, designating the power or jurisdiction held by a religious institution or its leaders. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

20%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ecclesiastical authority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that denotes the power held by religious institutions. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its usage spans across encyclopedias, news media, and academic settings, indicating a formal register. When writing, ensure you're referring to institutional power rather than individual beliefs. Alternatives include "church authority" or "clerical authority". Understanding its specific application avoids potential misuse. Overall, the phrase is well-established and valuable for discussions about religious governance and influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ecclesiastical power

General term to define a certain amount of power in the Ecclesiastical context.

official ecclesiastical power

Referring to the formal authority recognized within an organized religious structure.

church authority

Focuses specifically on the authority derived from the church as an institution.

clerical authority

Emphasizes the authority vested in ordained clergy.

religious jurisdiction

Highlights the legal and geographical extent of religious power.

papal authority

Specifically denotes the authority of the Pope in the Catholic Church.

canonical power

Refers to authority derived from canon law.

spiritual dominion

Suggests a more encompassing and less formal type of religious control.

hierarchical control

Highlights the structured and layered nature of authority within a religious organization.

divine right

Implies that the authority is granted by a higher power.

FAQs

How is "ecclesiastical authority" used in a sentence?

You can use "ecclesiastical authority" to refer to the power or control exerted by a religious body or its officials, such as "The council challenged the limits of the local ecclesiastical authority".

What's a synonym for "ecclesiastical authority"?

Synonyms include "church authority", "clerical authority", or "religious jurisdiction", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of religious power.

How does "ecclesiastical authority" differ from "political authority"?

"Ecclesiastical authority" refers to the power within a religious institution, while "political authority" relates to the power of the state. They often interact, but derive from different sources.

In what context should I use "ecclesiastical authority"?

Use "ecclesiastical authority" in contexts discussing the governance, rules, or influence of religious organizations, especially when contrasting it with secular or civil power.