Consecration vs. Ordination — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 29, 2024
Consecration involves setting something apart as sacred, while ordination specifically refers to the formal process of making someone a member of the clergy.
Difference Between Consecration and Ordination
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Consecration is a broad term that applies to the act of declaring something or someone as sacred or dedicated to a divine purpose. This can involve objects, places, or people and is not limited to a specific religion or spiritual practice. On the other hand, ordination is a specific type of consecration that applies to individuals within certain religious traditions, particularly in Christianity. It is the formal process through which a person is admitted into the clergy or a religious order, receiving the authority to perform religious rites and ceremonies.
While consecration can be performed by individuals or religious communities and does not necessarily require a formal structure or hierarchy, ordination is typically carried out by a recognized authority within a religious organization. This authority may vary among different religions or denominations but usually involves senior members of the clergy.
Consecration and ordination both serve to highlight the sacredness of their subjects, but their contexts and implications differ significantly. Consecration can be seen as a more general and versatile practice, whereas ordination is more specific and structured, with implications for community leadership and religious duties.
Moreover, the effects and expectations associated with consecration and ordination differ. Consecration might not change the daily responsibilities or status of an object or individual within a community, whereas ordination usually entails a new role, responsibilities, and a higher level of accountability within a religious community.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The act of declaring something as sacred.
The formal process of admitting someone into the clergy.
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Scope
Can apply to objects, places, or people.
Specifically applies to individuals within religious traditions.
Ceremony
Can vary widely, less formalized.
Involves specific rituals and is highly formalized.
Authority Involved
Can be performed by individuals or communities.
Carried out by a recognized authority within a religious organization.
Outcome/Implications
Designates something as sacred without changing its role.
Confers a new religious role and responsibilities.
Compare with Definitions
Consecration
The act of declaring something sacred or dedicating it to a divine purpose.
The consecration of the new temple involved traditional rituals.
Ordination
The formal admission of a person to the clergy.
His ordination ceremony was attended by clergy from various denominations.
Consecration
A ceremony to bless and dedicate an object or place to godly service.
The consecration of the church grounds brought the community together.
Ordination
Granting authority to perform religious rites and ceremonies.
Ordination gave him the right to officiate at weddings.
Consecration
The process of sanctifying objects used in religious ceremonies.
The consecration of the chalice is an important part of the liturgy.
Ordination
The transition from layperson to clergy within a religious tradition.
Ordination marked the beginning of his pastoral career.
Consecration
Setting apart land, buildings, or artifacts for spiritual or religious use.
The consecration of the cemetery underscored its solemn purpose.
Ordination
A ceremony conferring holy orders on someone, making them a priest or minister.
After years of study, she looked forward to her ordination.
Consecration
Making a person or group sacred through specific rites.
Her consecration as a nun was a solemn and beautiful ceremony.
Ordination
The process through which religious leaders are officially recognized.
His ordination required the approval of the bishop.
Consecration
The act, process, or ceremony of consecrating.
Ordination
Ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart and elevated from the laity class to the clergy, who are thus then authorized (usually by the denominational hierarchy composed of other clergy) to perform various religious rites and ceremonies. The process and ceremonies of ordination vary by religion and denomination.
Consecration
The state of being consecrated.
Ordination
The act of ordaining or the state of being ordained.
Consecration
The act or ceremony of consecrating; the state of being consecrated; dedication.
Ordination
(Ecclesiastical) The ceremony of consecration to the ministry.
Consecration
The act or ceremony of consecrating; the state of being consecrated; dedication.
Until the days of your consecration be at an end.
Consecration makes not a place sacred, but only solemnly declares it so.
Ordination
An arrangement or ordering.
Consecration
A solemn commitment of your life or your time to some cherished purpose (to a service or a goal);
His consecration to study
Ordination
The act of ordaining or the state of being ordained.
Consecration
(religion) sanctification of something by setting it apart (usually with religious rites) as dedicated to God;
The Cardinal attended the consecration of the church
Ordination
(Christianity) The ceremony in which a priest is consecrated, considered a sacrament in the Catholic and Orthodox churches.
Ordination
(Buddhism) the ceremony in which a bhikkhu or bhikkhuni is ordained into the sangha
Ordination
The act of ordaining, appointing, or setting apart; the state of being ordained, appointed, etc.
The holy and wise ordination of God.
Virtue and vice have a natural ordination to the happiness and misery of life respectively.
Ordination
The act of setting apart to an office in the Christian ministry; the conferring of holy orders.
Ordination
Disposition; arrangement; order.
Ordination
The status of being ordained to a sacred office
Ordination
Logical or comprehensible arrangement of separate elements;
We shall consider these questions in the inverse order of their presentation
Ordination
The act of ordaining; the act of conferring (or receiving) holy orders;
The rabbi's family was present for his ordination
Common Curiosities
What is consecration used for?
Consecration is used to declare something or someone as sacred, dedicating it to a divine purpose.
Who can ordain someone into the clergy?
Ordination is typically carried out by a recognized authority within the religious organization, such as bishops or senior clergy members.
Can anyone perform a consecration?
While the specifics can vary among different religions or beliefs, consecration can often be performed by individuals or communities without the need for a formal hierarchy.
Is ordination limited to a specific religion?
While ordination is common in many religions, the process and significance can vary significantly among different faiths and denominations.
Can a layperson become ordained?
Yes, a layperson can become ordained through a specific process defined by their religious tradition, often involving education, training, and a formal ceremony.
What does ordination signify in a religious context?
Ordination signifies the formal admission of a person into the clergy, granting them the authority to perform religious rites and duties.
Are there different levels of ordination?
In many religious traditions, there are different levels or orders of ordination, each with specific roles and responsibilities.
Can consecration be reversed?
The reversibility of consecration depends on the beliefs and practices of a particular religion or community.
Can consecration apply to objects or places?
Yes, consecration can apply to objects, places, or people, dedicating them to sacred purposes.
What roles can an ordained person assume?
An ordained person can assume various roles, including conducting religious services, pastoral care, and other duties specific to their religious tradition.
What is the difference between consecration and sanctification?
Consecration involves setting something apart as sacred, often through a ceremony, whereas sanctification is the process of becoming or being made holy over time.
Does consecration change the status of an object or person?
Consecration designates an object or person as sacred, which can change its perceived status but not necessarily its practical role.
Is a ceremony always required for consecration?
While ceremonies are common, the formality and structure of consecration ceremonies can vary widely.
Is ordination the same across all Christian denominations?
No, the process, requirements, and implications of ordination can vary significantly among different Christian denominations.
Can an ordained clergy member perform consecrations?
Yes, ordained clergy members often perform consecrations as part of their religious duties.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
