Deconsecration

Deconsecration, also referred to as decommissioning or secularization (a term also used for confiscation of church property),^[1] is the removal of a religious blessing from something that had been previously consecrated for religious use. In particular, church and synagogue buildings no longer required for religious use are deconsecrated for secular use, or for demolition.^[2][3]

A church building in Katoomba, Australia, converted to a restaurant

See also

• Desacralization of knowledge
• Desecration

References

1. Donald S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum (2000). "Secularizing a Consecrated Building". An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church. The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. This service is used to deconsecrate and secularize a consecrated building that is to be taken down or used for other purposes.
2. "Deconsecration of a London Church". The New York Times. November 3, 1876.
3. Temple B’Nai Israel to conduct last service in synagogue Sunday, By KATE DAY SAGER Olean Times Herald Dec 9, 2020