He cracked down on radical clerics and sought to curb the power of the religious establishment.

Their first response has been to monitor radical clerics and detain the most outspoken critics.

Radical clerics have demanded that they be given a much harsher punishment.

Radical clerics got their supporters out on the streets.

Radical clerics have made similar calls in vain in the past but never before have they been backed up by vigilante raids in the capital.

The service, which will begin at 11am, will feature significant contributions from no fewer than three senior clerics.

The comments were made last year, but only recently went viral on social networking sites, prompting several senior clerics to condemn them.

So, plenty of evidence; and it doesn't help when senior clerics weigh in on complex political issues.

As the debate heated up, with senior clerics and scientists stepping up to the table, others despaired that it was being fought on a false premise.

One's heart sinks slightly at the roster of endorsements from cardinals and other senior clerics that accompanies it.