Priestcraft

Priest´craft`

n.

1.

Priestly policy; the policy of a priesthood; esp., in an ill sense, fraud or imposition in religious concerns; management by priests to gain wealth and power by working upon the religious motives or credulity of others. It is better that men should be governed by priestcraft than by violence. - Macaulay.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	priestcraft - a derogatory reference to priests who use their influence to control secular or political affairs intrigue, machination - a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
	2.	priestcraft - the skills involved in the work of a priest craftsmanship, workmanship, craft - skill in an occupation or trade