laicism

This term describes a strict ideological commitment to the separation of church and state, often carrying a stronger, more systemic connotation than the general word "secularism." While secularism can describe a personal worldview or a general societal trend, laicism typically refers to a formal legal or political framework designed to exclude religious influence from public administration and education.

In a religious context, the term refers to the status of the laity. It distinguishes the ordinary members of a faith community from the ordained clergy, focusing on the role and identity of those who are not consecrated to a professional religious office.