cleric

A cleric is a religious leader or member of the clergy who is authorized to perform rites, teach, and provide pastoral care within a religious community. The term is widely used in English to describe leaders of Christian churches, but it can also apply to comparable religious functionaries in other traditions. The word derives from Latin clericus, meaning a clerical person, ultimately from Greek origins.

In Christian contexts, clerics are usually ordained and belong to a hierarchy that may include deacons, priests (presbyters), and bishops, with roles and powers differing by denomination. They lead worship, administer sacraments or rites, preach, teach doctrine, offer spiritual guidance, and oversee aspects of community life such as discipline, education, and charity. Some traditions allow female clerics; others restrict ordination by gender.

Outside Christianity, the term is sometimes used in a broad sense for religious scholars or leaders, such as imams, rabbis, monks, or other clergy, though terms in each tradition vary and “cleric” may be imprecise. In modern English, the word is also common in speculative fiction and role-playing games to designate a divine spellcaster who channels powers from a deity or spiritual force.

Overall, the precise authority and practice of clerics depend on doctrinal, liturgical, and organizational context. Across traditions, clerics typically inhabit roles centered on worship leadership, instruction, and pastoral care, bridging private faith and public religious life.