adjective / noun
secular
Not bound by the rules of a monastic religious order.
Our parish priest is secular, not a member of a religious order.
Etymology
The Latin adjective means of the world or age. Secular clergy live and serve in the world rather than under the rule of a monastic order.
More examples
- The seminary trains secular clergy for service in local parishes.
- The bishop chooses a secular rather than a monk for the post.
- Secular priests do not follow a monastic rule.
Forms
secular · seculars
Similar words
- diocesan
- Emphasizes a priest's connection to a diocese, not order membership.