Nonclerical

Nonclerical is an adjective meaning not relating to or performed by members of the clergy. It is used to describe laypeople, lay leadership, or activities that occur outside the clerical rank within religious organizations, as well as in secular contexts where clerical authority is not involved. The term emphasizes secular or lay participation rather than ordained status. The form is often written as nonclerical, with some style guides allowing non-clerical or nonclerical variants; hyphenation is stylistic.

Etymology: From non- + clerical, from Latin clericus meaning “clerk” or “priest” via Old French clerique; the sense has evolved to distinguish between ordained clergy and non-ordained participants.

Usage in religion: In churches and related communities, nonclerical staff includes administrators, liturgical musicians, or volunteers who support operations but are not ordained. Nonclerical leaders may be lay trustees or committee chairs, contrasting with clergy who perform sacraments or pastoral duties. The term helps specify roles that do not require ordination.

Beyond religious settings: The term can describe secular sectors or organizations that operate without clerical authority, such as nonclerical sections of faith-based charities or nonclerical workers within religious institutions.

See also: laity, layperson, secularism, clerical.