dispensation /ˌdɪspenˈseɪʃn/

special permission; exemption from penalty, rule, etc

She needed a special dispensation to remarry. 

The sport's ruling body gave him dispensation to compete in national competitions.

pressing /ˈpresɪŋ/

urgent

I'm afraid I have some pressing business to attend to. 

There is a pressing need for more specialist nurses. 

The government seems to think that international problems are more pressing than domestic ones.

alongside /əˌlɒŋˈsaɪd/

together with

Traditional beliefs still flourish alongside a modern urban lifestyle.