The Conflict Between The Church And Secular Authority

Through the Investiture Conflict in 1076, it can be seen that the Church had wanted to dominate the secular authority. The Investiture Conflict had marked a change in the relationship between the Church and secular authority in which the Church wanted to establish its right to rule over the secular rulers. The disputes between the Church and secular authority were a continuation of an ongoing tension over who had ultimate authority to rule over Christendom and within kingdoms. These disputes also dealt with the rights and privileges the Church had acquired within kingdoms especially the elevation of the clergy above the laity by putting the clergy above the law with separate church courts. By the mid-eleventh century, it can be seen that the Church had gained strength to challenge the secular ruler for authority in their own kingdoms and establishing special rights and privileges for its clergy. 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