secularization

verb (used with object), sec·u·lar·ized, sec·u·lar·iz·ing.

1. to make secular; separate from religious or spiritual connection or influences; make worldly or unspiritual; imbue with secularism.
2. to change (clergy) from regular to secular.
3. to transfer (property) from ecclesiastical to civil possession or use.

verb (tr)

1. to change from religious or sacred to secular functions, etc
2. to dispense from allegiance to a religious order
3. law to transfer (property) from ecclesiastical to civil possession or use
4. English legal history to transfer (an offender) from the jurisdiction of the ecclesiastical courts to that of the civil courts for the imposition of a more severe punishment

n.1706, “conversion to secular purposes,” in reference to Church property; see secularize + -ation. General use by 1863. v.1610s, of property, offices, etc., from secular + -ize. From 1711 as “to become worldly;” from 1846 of education, social institutions, etc. Related: Secularized; secularizing.