charism

plural charisms · plural charismata

1. countablerareuncountableChristianityA power or authority, generally of a spiritual nature, believed to be a freely given gift by the Grace of God.

   The Roman Catholic Church has as its named charism the unity of a truly catholic gathered people. Unfortunately, that very ethos is challenged by division and factionalism that could put protestants to shame.

   2024 January 11, Kelvin Holdsworth, “What’s really happening to the churches in Scotland”, in Thurible.net

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   Reviewing the prudential warnings and moral qualms issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “it is hard not to conclude,” the editors write, “that the bishops’ charism, rather than the president’s, has better served the nation.”

   2007 April 14, Peter Steinfels, “A Catholic Debate Mounts on the Meaning of ‘Just War’”, in New York Times

   Synonyms: charisma