In the 13th century the region was acquired by the bishop of Münster and became a part of his clerical state.

He might have been studying for the priesthood or else embraced the clerical state on a lifelong basis.

In medieval times the region was a clerical state ruled by the abbey of Fürstenfeld.

A cleric dismissed from the clerical state cannot be reinstated in the sacred ministry without the consent of the Pope.

Murphy gives 'clear signs of repentance' or the canonical process will go to the end, including his dismissal from the clerical state.

Now, the clerical state is tied to reception of the diaconate.

The ecclesiastical hat replaces the helmet and crest, because those were considered too belligerent for men in the clerical state.

He received the minor orders in 1850, after rejoining the clerical state.

Immediately before ordination as a reader, the candidate is tonsured as a sign of his submission and obedience upon entry into the clerical state.

In the Holy Roman Empire, Freising was a clerical state ruled by the bishops.