Defrocking,
unfrocking, or
laicization of
clergy is the removal of their rights to exercise the functions of the ordained ministry. It may be grounded on
criminal convictions, disciplinary problems, or disagreements over
doctrine or
dogma, but may also be done at their request for personal reasons, such as running for civil office, taking over a family business, declining health or old age, desire to marry against the rules for clergy in a particular church, or an unresolved dispute. The form of the procedure varies according to the
Christian denomination concerned. The term "defrocking" implies forced laicization for misconduct, while "
laicization" is a neutral term, applicable also when clergy have requested to be released from their ordination vows.