GALLICANISM Meaning and
Definition
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Gallicanism is a term derived from "Gallican," referring to the medieval and early modern ecclesiastical movement in France known as Gallicanism. It refers to a set of religious and political doctrines advocating for the independence and supremacy of the French church, particularly its hierarchy and the monarchy, over any external authority in matters of doctrine, governance, and temporal power.
Gallicanism originated in the 16th century as a reaction against the increasing influence and authority of the papacy, particularly during the reign of the French King Louis XIV. Its proponents argued for the establishment of a national church in France that would be free from the control and interference of Rome, emphasizing the authority of the French bishops and the monarchy as the final arbiters of religious matters within their jurisdiction.
In terms of religious doctrines, Gallicans maintained that the authority of the Pope is not absolute but subject to the authority of a general church council. They also asserted that national churches have the right to enact their own legislation and that the Pope's decisions should be subject to review by the bishops of his respective country. Gallicanism thus aimed to protect and preserve the autonomy and prerogatives of the French church, often in the face of encroachments by the Papal See.
Despite its historical significance in the development of French ecclesiastical and political thought, Gallicanism gradually lost influence during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly after the French Revolution and the rise of a more centralized state authority in France.
Common Misspellings for GALLICANISM
- fallicanism
- vallicanism
- ballicanism
- hallicanism
- yallicanism
- tallicanism
- gzllicanism
- gsllicanism
- gwllicanism
- gqllicanism
- gaklicanism
- gaplicanism
- gaolicanism
- galkicanism
- galpicanism
- galoicanism
- gallucanism
- galljcanism
- gallkcanism
Etymology of GALLICANISM
The word "Gallicanism" is derived from the term "Galllican", which refers to the ancient Celtic people of Gaul (modern-day France). "Gallicanism" specifically relates to the religious and political beliefs associated with the Gallican Church, an independent ecclesiastical authority within France during the medieval and early modern periods. The Gallican Church developed its own distinct practices and customs, which sometimes conflicted with the authority of the Pope and the Catholic Church. Consequently, the term "Gallicanism" came to represent the particular theological and ecclesiastical traditions of the Gallican Church.
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