laity

Laity refers to the general body of believers in a religious community who are not ordained clergy or members of religious orders. The term derives from the Latin laicus, meaning lay or belonging to the people, and in English usage it is contrasted with clergy.

In most Christian traditions, laity participate in worship, receive the sacraments, support the church’s mission, and shape its life through volunteer service, education, charity, and governance at the parish or denominational level. The concept is tied to the idea of a universal call to holiness, meaning that all baptized members are called to contribute to the church’s life and mission beyond their private faith.

Within Catholicism, the laity are baptized Christians who are not ordained as clergy. They may undertake lay ecclesial ministries, catechesis, and leadership in parish councils, schools, and charitable activities; they do not receive holy orders but collaborate with clergy in ministry. In other Christian traditions, lay participation varies but often includes roles in teaching, leadership, evangelism, and service within congregations and mission projects.

Historically, laity were often seen as outside the clerical sphere, but the modern church emphasizes greater lay participation and responsibility. In Protestant denominations, the priesthood of all believers reinforces lay leadership in worship and governance; in Orthodox and other traditions, lay members contribute to liturgical life and community affairs within established guidelines.