Disestablishmentarianism

Disestablishmentarianism refers to the withdrawal of state support of an established church that was formerly part of the state establishment. A prime example is when the British monarchy under Henry VIII withdrew their support of the Roman Catholic Church in 1534 and established the Church of England. The National Secular Society is a noted contemporary advocate for the disestablishment of the modern Church of England.

Antidisestablishmentarianism (opposition to the aforementioned practice) is sometimes incorrectly cited as the longest word in the English language.

See also

• Antidisestablishmentarianism
• Antiestablishmentarianism
• Christian anarchism
• Religion in the United Kingdom
• Secularism
• State Church