Instructions: Identify the Following Term(s)

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The Answer is Lay investiture refers to the practice where secular leaders, such as kings, nobles, or other non-clerical officials, had the authority to appoint bishops, abbots, and other church officials within their realms. This practice became a significant issue during the Middle Ages, leading to conflicts between the Church and the state.

The controversy over lay investiture reached its peak in the 11th and 12th centuries, particularly with the Investiture Controversy in the Holy Roman Empire. This conflict was primarily between Pope Gregory VII and Emperor Henry IV. The Church argued that only the Pope had the right to appoint church officials, as they believed that spiritual authority was higher than temporal authority.

The Investiture Controversy was eventually resolved with the Concordat of Worms in 1122, which allowed the Church to regain the right to appoint bishops and abbots, but gave secular leaders some influence over the decision-making process. This compromise was significant in delineating the boundaries between church and state authority during the medieval period.

Instructions: Identify the Following Term(s)

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