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

Catholicism

According to Catholic canon law, a church may be deconsecrated if it is no longer able to be used for divine worship with no possibility of restoration, or if other serious reasons suggest that worship is no longer possible. In order for the bishop to issue a decree declaring the church relegated to a "Secular not but unbecoming purpose", he must consult the presbyteral council of the diocese, obtain the consent of those who may have legal rights, and assure that the good of souls will not be harmed.^[4]. No formal deconsecration rite exists.^[5]

Altars automatically lose their consecration if they are significantly damaged or have been permanently relegated to secular usage, either de facto or by a decree of the bishop.^[6]

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
4. Canon 1222 §1
5. de Wildt, Kim (2020). "Ritual Void or Ritual Muddle? Deconsecration Rites of Roman Catholic Church Buildings". Religions. 11 (10). Switzerland: 517. doi:10.3390/rel11100517. ISSN 2077-1444.
6. Canon 1212