Laicization
From LanceaSanctum
written by Father General de la Cruz
Definition
In the Lancea Sanctum, doctrine does not regard that the priesthood confers an indelible character on the person's soul (this is contrary to the way the Roman Catholic Church treats its priesthood). Vampires, after all, are already Damned, and therefore their souls already indelibly stained with sin. Laicization removes the anointed status completely. All sacred actions of a former Priest are normally considered invalid (beginning from the time of laicization).
Voluntary Laicization
Laicization of a Priest may come as a result of a request for removal from the ranks of the anointed, or as an ecclesiastical punishment. In the first case, very often, the cleric may ask to be laicized in order to enter a different covenant. He remains part of the congregation, but is no longer anointed. In this case, the vampire remains in good standing with the covenant but is no longer a Priest.
Forced Laicization
Forced laicization or removal from sacred orders is a form of ecclesiastical punishment, imposed by the ruling Bishop of the Priest for certain transgressions. According to the canonical procedure, if the Priest is found guilty of an infringement of a sacred vow, unrepentant heresy, breaking of canons or ecclesiastical discipline, he can be suspended from exercising all clerical functions (see Suspension). If, disregarding his suspension, he continues to liturgize or does not repent of his actions, he may be permanently deposed from the sacred orders (in common parlance - "laicized"). Strictly speaking, the deposition can be appealed at a Synod, but, in modern practice, the Bishop's decision is usually final.
Consequences of Laicization
Laicization as an ecclesiastical punishment may carry with it the excommunication of the former cleric from the church for a certain period, or indefinitely.
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