laicos

Laicos is a Latin term meaning lay or civilian. In Christian usage, it designates non-ordained members of the church, i.e., the laity, as distinct from the clergy and from those in religious orders.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Latin laicus, “of the people,” itself from Greek laikos. The term is used in various Christian traditions to refer to non-ordained believers, and it underpins the English word lay.

Roles and rights: In the Catholic Church, laity are baptized believers who share in the Church’s mission through their witness in daily life, family, work, and charitable activity. The Second Vatican Council emphasized the universal call to holiness and the lay vocation to participate in evangelization and service. Laity may undertake certain liturgical roles (such as lector or extraordinary minister of the Eucharist) with proper authorization, and they can hold leadership roles in parish and lay ecclesial associations. They do not, however, perform sacraments that require Holy Orders. In canon law, laity are recognized as a distinct state of life within the Church, with rights and responsibilities to participate in the Church’s mission.

Secular and international context: The term’s secular usage describes non-religious or non-clerical aspects of society, sometimes rendered as laicism or secularism. In this sense, laicism denotes a separation between church and state or a non-religious public sphere, depending on the jurisdiction and tradition.

Other Christian traditions: In Eastern Orthodoxy and many Protestant communities, the concept of laity similarly refers to non-ordained members, though the distribution of duties and authorities varies by tradition. The core idea across contexts is that lay believers are integral to the life and mission of the Church, not merely observers.