But this quasi-sacerdotal character was no longer an important aid to the power of secular rulers.

Among secular rulers the welcome given to it was even less equivocal.

This practice had become common because often the prelates and secular rulers were also participants in public life.

At the same time it must be remembered that the bishops, although also secular rulers, had a difficult position in regard to spiritual matters.

Who the secular ruler over my parish may be is notmy concern.

Occasionally, the word could be used to designate other, secular, supreme rulers.

But sooner or later, secular rulers of Muslim states will have to come to legitimate terms with their people.

Don't think for a moment that there aren't other secular rulers who'd feel exactly the same way in his place.

The art-loving, secular ruler recognizes the religious leader as an equal and call him brother.

If however a secular ruler controls the religious hierarchy, he can use it to legitimate his own authority.